US national passenger operator Amtrak has issued a formal request for proposals (RFP) from prospective suppliers of a new fleet of more than 800 single-deck coaches. The fleet will be deployed on 14 long-distance routes, replacing Amtrak’s oldest coaches, some of which are more than 40 years old.
Amtrak declared its intention to procure an entirely single-deck fleet earlier this year, revising plans announced in 2022 to buy double-deck coaches to replace its mixed fleet of single and double-deck vehicles. The decision was taken following consultation with industry during an earlier RFP process for the double-deck fleet. The fleet replacement programme has been developed in close collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Amtrak says its new approach prioritises standardisation and will increase competition among prospective suppliers, reduce programme risk, and accelerate the replacement of its oldest coaches. These include Superliner I and II double-deck sleeping, lounge and dining cars, Viewliner I and II single-deck sleeping, dining and baggage cars, and Amfleet II business class and catering cars.
The new fleet will feature better seating, enhanced private rooms, improved onboard catering, and updated amenities to reflect current passenger expectations. The contract to supply the new fleet is expected to be awarded by the end of 2027.
Procurement of new long-distance coaches is one element of Amtrak’s broader fleet replacement strategy. The operator is continuing to receive ALC-42 diesel locomotives built by Siemens for long-distance services, with 79 of 125 delivered so far, and last month unveiled the first of its fleet of 83 200km/h Airo push-pull trains also manufactured by Siemens.
Amtrak introduced its new-generation Acela fleet on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in August 2025. Alstom is supplying 28 trains capable of operating at up to 250km/h, with the entire fleet due to be in service by 2027.
For detailed data on North American passenger fleet orders, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
