When Amtrak Northeast Regional #171 departs Boston on Feb. 7, a
new era of mobility will begin as the first of 70 new advanced
technology electric locomotives enters revenue service. The modern
equipment provides more reliable and efficient service for passengers,
and will power the Northeast region’s economic growth and continued
prosperity.
“Amtrak is integral to the daily life of the Northeast and the new
locomotives will keep the people and businesses of the region connected
and on the move,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. “New
equipment ensures Amtrak can deliver the reliable service the region
depends on and supports the growth of the region as America’s economic
powerhouse.”
“Beyond improved reliability of service, the new locomotives represent a
prudent business decision to invest in the future of the Northeast
region and better position Amtrak to support ridership growth in the
coming years,” said Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia.
The new locomotives will serve as the strong workhorses of Amtrak
Northeast Corridor operations, power all Northeast Regional and
long-distance trains between Washington, New York and Boston, and match
existing trip-times at speeds up to 125 mph. Eventually, they also will
operate on the Keystone Service between New York, Philadelphia
and Harrisburg, Pa.
The Siemens-built electric locomotives, known as the Amtrak Cities
Sprinter, are being assembled at its solar-powered rail manufacturing
plant in Sacramento, Calif. The equipment includes parts built from
Siemens plants in Norwood, Ohio, Alpharetta, Ga., and Richland, Miss.,
and nearly 70 other suppliers, representing more than 60 cities and 23
states.
“We are extremely proud to serve as a rail technology partner for
Amtrak,” said Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Rail Systems in the
U.S. “Through our teamwork with Amtrak, we are not only delivering
improved performance, we’re boosting American manufacturing. Our
innovation, expertise and proven technology are helping transportation
operators across the country keep the economy moving.”
The new locomotives are designed for improved reliability and easier
maintenance leading to faster turn-around times and increased
availability for service. A state-of-the-art microprocessor system
performs self-diagnosis of technical issues, takes self-corrective
action and notifies the locomotive engineer. In addition, there are
redundant systems to ensure power is maintained to the passenger cars to
keep heating and cooling systems working, the lights on and the doors
operational. The locomotives also meet the latest federal rail safety
regulations, including crash energy management components.
Furthermore, the locomotives are energy efficient and use a regenerative
braking system to feed energy back into the power grid. Together, the 70
locomotives could save over 3 billion-kilowatt hours of energy and could
result in more than $300 million in savings over 20 years.
The new locomotives will replace older equipment that have between 25
and 35 years of service and average mileage of more than 3.5 million
miles traveled with some approaching 4.5 million miles. Amtrak expects
to have several more new locomotives enter revenue service in the coming
weeks and then will receive monthly delivery of the remaining units
through 2015.
Amtrak is a vital player in the Northeast economy and transportation
system, connecting major business, financial, political, cultural,
medical and educational centers. Today, Amtrak carries three passengers
for every one airline passenger between Washington and New York, and
moves more passengers between New York and Boston than all the airlines
combined.
About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail
service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and
commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward.
Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is
governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President
of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia
is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2013,
a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300
daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46
states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the
journey® at Amtrak.com
or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Like us
on Facebook, Follow
us on Twitter (@Amtrak)
and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com.
About Siemens’ Rail, Transit & Mobility Portfolio
Siemens designs and manufactures across the entire spectrum of rolling
stock including commuter and regional passenger trains, light rail and
streetcars, metros, locomotives and high-speed train sets. In the U.S.,
Siemens is providing rail vehicles, locomotives, components and systems
for cities such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Houston,
Portland, Boston, Sacramento, San Diego, St. Louis, Atlanta and
Charlotte. Cities also rely on Siemens to provide traction-power
substations and electricity transmission, as well as signaling and
control technology for passenger rail and transit systems.
Note: Photos and video available at http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/NewAmtrakCars
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