Passenger Trains > New Proposed Long Distance Fleet Information & Images

Amtrak has released the complete Long Distance Fleet Replacement Request for Proposal (RFP) through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

The entire RFP release is over 2,500 pages and contains hundreds of pages of highly detailed technical & mechanical specifications.

The release also includes over 340 pages of newly available images, graphics, details and descriptions of the passenger accommodations, services & facilities Amtrak is seeking for the new Long Distance fleet.

The Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) has posted these pages in easy to navigate sections on their website.

Lots of great information!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/06/26 14:46 by mbutte.

May not be superliner, but the interiors are real nice.

It took a bit of hunting on the ESPA website but I found the floor plans and conceptual pictures. 
Here is how to find them;

1) go to the ESPA website.
2) find the "Resources/FAQs" tab near the top. 
3) click and hold for the drop down menu.
4) select "Amtrak Long Distance Fleet Renewal"
5) Voila! 

Thanks for the shortcut, OnTime.  I reviewed everything and the drawings are quite nice and look like they will present a pleasant atmosphere.

No domes planned.  Doesn't surprise me.  BOO HISS!  Guess I'll keep enjoying VIA 1 and 2.  I know the Canadians will get it right.

-John

Having extensively reviewed the plans (got them last week), I think this conceptual plan is very good. Among the features I like are:

• extensive ADA access (but not total) - well thought out
• much larger windows and the requirement (in several places) that windows and seating align
• inviting lounge space with the upper windows
• seats that recline in the traditional way
• new Club Bedrooms are interesting - seating for 4 by day, and two extra-wide berths by night
• solo rooms are good use of space (and interesting to see aircraft still foot wells being suggested)
• comfortable new color palette
• total system integration - all equipment interchangeable 

Questions arise:

• will they be perfect? - what ever is
• can a manufacturer be found who will create these?

I, for one, look forward to having a chance to ride what will be produced from these initial plans. 

I agree that this looks very promising.  I share the one concern that others have expressed here regarding adequate lounge space. But to get any sort of Sightseer style lounge is a win imo.  And note that it looks like a 3 for 2 swap with the Superliners - there will be a separate cafe car, a dining car, and a lounge car. With part of the lounge being overflow dining car seating, presumably that could be used as additional lounge space outside of dining car hours?

RevRandy Wrote:
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• much larger windows and the requirement (in
  > several places) that windows and seating align
  >

I hope there's a requirement to have the seats on a rail system like in aircraft or existing rolling stock. That helps futureproof the cars.

• inviting lounge space with the upper windows
  >
• seats that recline in the traditional way
  >
• new Club Bedrooms are interesting - seating for
  > 4 by day, and two extra-wide berths by night

Easily achievable seeing as current bedrooms can sleep a couple plus 1.

• solo rooms are good use of space (and
  > interesting to see aircraft still foot wells being
  > suggested)

I have a feeling this will be a lower cost option for truly solo travelers, but far worse value for money than splitting a roomette unless the design finds a way to get two singles in the same cubic volume as a current roomette.

• total system integration - all equipment
  > interchangeable 

This is only desirable if someone can't walk and chew gum at the same time. Every major airline can sucessfully deal with certain routes needing certain equipment. For Amtrak east doesn't have much in the way of scenery and the west doesn't have high level platforms. I love Southwest Airlines, but its totally interchangable fleet doesn't create much value in the way user experiance.