Amtrak has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for what the operator describes as the largest procurement in its history, covering more than 800 new passenger coaches to replace its ageing long-distance fleet.
A once-in-a-generation renewal
The fleet replacement programme was developed in close coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) with the aim of modernising overnight and long-distance services. Much of the current stock is approaching nearly 50 years in service, and the order covers 14 long-distance routes across the United States. Amtrak plans to announce its selected carbuilder by the end of 2027 following an extensive evaluation of the proposals received.
The switch to single-deck stock
In a significant strategic shift announced in February, Amtrak opted to standardise its entire long-distance fleet around a universal single-deck configuration, scrapping the previous plan to procure bi-level coaches. This will replace the current heterogeneous mix of Superliner bi-level and single-level Viewliner cars, built between 1975 and 1996. The move is intended to broaden competition among carbuilders, reduce programme risk and accelerate the replacement timeline.
Part of a broader fleet modernisation drive
This long-distance tender forms just one strand of Amtrak’s wider rolling stock renewal strategy. The operator has already taken delivery of 79 of its 125 ordered ALC-42 locomotives for long-distance haulage, and the new NextGen Acela trainsets entered service on the North-East Corridor last autumn. The Siemens-built Airo fleet — part of the Venture family — is set to enter service on the Cascades corridor during 2026, before cascading to North-East Regional and other short- and medium-distance services in subsequent years.
Funding remains an open question: in April, President Trump proposed deep cuts to federal rail support in the FY2027 budget, while the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) — which allocated $66 billion to passenger and freight rail — is reaching the end of its term.