AMTRAK ADDING LONG DISTANCE CARS

Amtrak cars under construction (Credit: Amtrak)

Amtrak is adding some fancy new cars to its fleet. They announced "production of the first units of new Amtrak long distance passenger rail cars is nearing completion and they are expected to begin field testing this winter. The cars are being built by CAF USA at its facility in Elmira, N.Y., which hired more than 400 employees to perform the manufacturing and final assembly work.

"The $298.1 million order for 130 single-level long distance passenger rail cars includes 25 sleepers, 25 diners, 25 baggage/dormitory and 55 baggage cars. More than 120 suppliers in 25 states and 93 cities are providing parts for the new rail cars."

Here's more from their release:


"The new long distance cars will replace and supplement the existing fleet and allow cars built in the 1940s and 1950s to be retired. The sleeper, diner and baggage/dormitory cars will likely operate on eastern routes such as Lake Shore Limited, Cardinal, Crescent, and Silver Service with the baggage cars used nationwide. One of each type of car will be field tested this winter with the first units expected to enter revenue service during the summer of 2014. All 130 cars are expected to be delivered by the end of 2015.

"Passengers will experience many improvements including: modern interiors with better layouts; better lighting and more efficient air conditioning and heating systems; additional outlets to power personal electronic devices; improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities; and bicycle racks in the baggage cars.

"Furthermore, the new cars feature improvements for employees such as functional kitchen layouts that are easier to maintain, a more efficient process to stock food and an improved baggage car for easier organization." This video has more: