US state-owned passenger operator Amtrak has announced a revised long-distance fleet replacement strategy under which it will replace its current mix of single and double-deck coaches with an entirely single-deck fleet, cancelling plans announced in 2022 to acquire more double-deck coaches.

Amtrak says the decision was made following consultation with industry during a request for proposals (RFP) process to supply a new double-deck fleet and was informed by the findings of a joint Amtrak-Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) review, both of which highlighted the challenges of operating and maintaining a mixed fleet of long-distance coaches.

Amtrak confirmed in January 2023 that it had received proposals from 10 suppliers to replace its 800-strong long-distance fleet. This includes 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 operator says it will soon issue a formal request for suppliers to build the new single-deck fleet. It says the new approach will prioritise standardisation, increase competition among prospective suppliers, reduce programme risk, and accelerate the replacement of its oldest coaches, some of which are more than 40 years old.

Amtrak says it will work closely with the chosen manufacturer to finalise the delivery schedule for the new fleet.

“This new approach will deliver a more consistent and accessible customer experience across the Amtrak network while maintaining our commitment to introduce the first new long-distance cars in the early 2030s,” says Amtrak president, Roger Harris.

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.

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