French multinational Alstom has signed a US$2 billion deal with United States operator Amtrak, to deliver 28 new high-speed trains to operate on the North East Corridor between Boston and Washington D.C.
The 730 kilometre NEC line has seen passenger numbers rise from 2.4 million in FY02 to 3.5 million in FY14.
Amtrak has ordered 28 Liberty models, the latest in Alstom’s Avelia line of high speed trains.
The Avelia Liberty trains are capable of traveling up to 300 kilometres per hour. Amtrak will operate the new trains at a lackadaisical 260 kilometres per hour, however, to stay within track limits.
“Amtrak is taking the necessary actions to keep our customers, the Northeast region and the American economy moving forward,” the operator’s president and chief executive Joe Boardman said.
“These trainsets and the modernisation and improvement of infrastructure will provide our customers with the mobility and experience of the future.”
The trains will be configured with a compact power car and nine passenger cars, with the option of three more being added if demand grows.
Alstom’s North American senior vice president Jérôme Wallut said the Avelia trains are the most advanced, reliable and safe in the world.
“Aveliea Liberty will not only provide premium passenger experience but will also provide greater energy efficiency and lower lifecycle costs,” Wallut said.
“This award is an illustration of the success of Alstom’s strategy of customer proximity. We would like to thank Amtrak for its vote of confidence and remain fully dedicated to making this project a success.”
It would be good of we got some sections of 300 kph track here in Australia.
First comes the track capable of allowing high speed trains.
Then the train control systems
Finally the high speed trains