Unless they extended the deadline for the third or fourth time, bids should be in.
Bi-level Long Distance (LD) fleet replacement RFP discussion H2 2024
- Thread starter pennyk
- Start date
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I will add as a note - I realize that the Superliners do need replacing, but if Amtrak isn't going to go with a "single fleet" model then there's another option - the Cap, CONO, and Eagle/Sunset (in particular) could be made to "swing" between single level and bilevel on a long(er)-term basis (i.e. 5-10 year cycles) so that each order would explicitly open up capacity for either the NYP-bound single-level-locked trains or the big Western LD trains. This would, unfortunately for Amtrak's planning, recommend a single-level order first (to allow those trains' equipment to be cascaded westwards) - ideally you'd have done this with a 300-400 car order at Viewliner II time, but that's in the past - with those sleepers (plus anything they can shake out of Beech Grove) being used to add capacity in the west, then with a Superliner replacement order coming on the heels of that (which would allow full replacement of the Superliners as well as reverting some trains back to bilevel).
I still think that going all-single-level is the correct answer, but this would probably be the second-best option. Naturally, of course, Amtrak has managed to go with a really bad option instead.
As to the bids...I'm wondering how this goes if they either get no bids or just one bid.
I still think that going all-single-level is the correct answer, but this would probably be the second-best option. Naturally, of course, Amtrak has managed to go with a really bad option instead.
As to the bids...I'm wondering how this goes if they either get no bids or just one bid.
west point
Engineer
Why do our posters keep talking about replacing the present Superliners. Unless Amtrak can order at least 500 SLs then some SLs will have to remain. This is not a prediction but since delivers of new cars may not finish until 2032 - 2034 not one of us can predict the riders and any new SL trains.
jis
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Because the RFP which is the subject if the thread is for replacing the present Superliners. I thought that ought to be pretty obvious if one is paying attention.
