Bi-level Long Distance (LD) fleet replacement RFP discussion H2 2024

Since Stadler makes mostly aluminum trains, does this fact make them less likely to win (since Amtrak is requesting a stainless steel trainset)?

Also, I wonder how likely it is that Hitachi or Kawasaki win this contract since they do, in fact, make quality vehicles but it is also true that Amtrak has never ordered any equipment from them.

This sleeper situation is very confusing to this person. For a full single level sleeper, the median fares bucket seems to be 3 - 4 + times what a full coach brings in. Now if Amtrak would get all its single level sleeper in service and order more the revenue potential would seem very pro passenger. That probably means that the additional costs do not penalize the present bonus system. Realize that Amtrak got burned on the V-2 deliveries, but it should take the lessons learned and buy another 150 - 200 single level sleepers. That makes it possible to have 6 - 7 sleepers on each single level LD train with possibility that another single level train can be started. That IMO would be a DFW - Meridian -ATL - NYP round trip.

We have to wonder how many last many sleeper passengers would ride if space was able 1 - 7 days in advance at more reasonable fares. Of course, that means aggressive marking of the various routes and cut off cars on some routes especially the Crescent.

At present , it appears that last minute sleeper requests go no where due to presnt sell out. So many potential riders probably say "why even try"

In August 2023, I discovered what I thought was the low bucket sleeper fare on 6 from EMY to Chicago about a week out. IIRC, it was around $670. When I got to San Francisco, I realized I had booked it for the wrong day. I had intended to spend one night in San Francisco, but I had it for the day after the day I wanted to leave. I went into the app to change it and got a roomette for $610, which was less than what I paid. I agree that finding such low fares is much more difficult now.

Re my earlier comment about Kawasaki, if they would toss in a bar car with snacks, I'd happily ride in a transit car for trips under 200 miles if it was cheap, fast and frequent. Would be nice if they faced the seats forward, though, and the FRA would probably make them take out the standee straps.

I believe this used to be called an interurban...

Well I'm back on the Stadler hope train. They just won UTA's LRV replacement with a steel designed vehicle meaning they plan to have steel car capacity in the US. I know well they are bidding, but solid plans for their expanded factory will help their bid quite a bit.

They're not part of the Siemens monoculture that's been growing and they haven't recently fumbled/helped fumble a major Amtrak contract (Viewliner 2 and Avelia come to mind as "maybe you should deliver someone else's trains as promised before we try you again" programs). That puts them in rarified company.

Paniolo Man said:

Well I'm back on the Stadler hope train. They just won UTA's LRV replacement with a steel designed vehicle meaning they plan to have steel car capacity in the US. I know well they are bidding, but solid plans for their expanded factory will help their bid quite a bit.

Click to expand...

Congratulations to Stadler! (And I know that their Caltrain EMU trains have received great reviews).

It turns out that Hitachi is building a new rail factory in Maryland--which is a relatively short drive to Amtrak's headquarters in Washington DC. Does this possibly make it more likely that Hitachi could win the Superliner replacement contract, since Amtrak executives could frequently visit the new factory and check out the manufacturing of the new coaches?

Johnny said:

Congratulations to Stadler! (And I know that their Caltrain EMU trains have received great reviews).

It turns out that Hitachi is building a new rail factory in Maryland--which is a relatively short drive to Amtrak's headquarters in Washington DC. Does this possibly make it more likely that Hitachi could win the Superliner replacement contract, since Amtrak executives could frequently visit the new factory and check out the manufacturing of the new coaches?

Click to expand...

I think it would take much more than being near headquarters. They would have to submit a bid to address the needs expressed in the original order.

That original order was a pie-in-the-sky request. Have there been any changes since there have not been any bids?

Johnny said:

Congratulations to Stadler! (And I know that their Caltrain EMU trains have received great reviews).

It turns out that Hitachi is building a new rail factory in Maryland--which is a relatively short drive to Amtrak's headquarters in Washington DC. Does this possibly make it more likely that Hitachi could win the Superliner replacement contract, since Amtrak executives could frequently visit the new factory and check out the manufacturing of the new coaches?

Click to expand...

Amtrak executives visiting a factory? Surely you jest. Or did you just forget to add a smiley?

Jis,

Which two companies do you think are the most likely to win this contract?

Johnny said:

Jis,

Which two companies do you think are the most likely to win this contract?

Click to expand...

I tend not to speculate on such. I try to share concrete information (that I am not constrained from sharing due to confidentiality agreements) and at present there is none that I have.

jis said:

I tend not to speculate on such. I try to share concrete information (that I am not constrained from sharing due to confidentiality agreements) and at present there is none that I have.

Click to expand...

This is why I always read Jishnu's posts. I know I am getting the most accurate information possible.