$800M for Amtrak equipment in "jobs bill"

[j653]

It appears that Amtrak may be getting an additional $800M in 2010 thanks to the proposed "jobs bill." Sounds like GE's wish may come true, if this passes the Senate.

From the bill's summary:

Amtrak: $800 million for capital grants to Amtrak for the acquisition and rehabilitation of rolling stock and passenger equipment to improve the speed and capacity of intercity passenger rail service. This investment will increase the fuel efficiency of Amtrak’s locomotives and support domestic production of passenger rail equipment.

Read the full bill summary here.

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

Is this where they're getting the money for the bi-levels?

And GE deserves its wish... though I'm not ready to retire the P42s just yet...

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

Perhaps they should let Walther's build all the next generation cars-they do a GREAT job with their HO scale models

 

[Palmland]

Has this actually passed, or is it just in committee? I suspect after Health Care is resolved, one way or the other, our esteemed congressmen will flee Washington for the holidays, not to return until 2010. $800 million will put some car maker's bottom line, along with GE. It is certainly needed.

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

Its passed.

 

[Steve4031]

So what would get ordered with this money? Is this in addition to the viewliner sleeper order and bi-level order?

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

So what would get ordered with this money? Is this in addition to the viewliner sleeper order and bi-level order?

Sounds like GE is gunning for the contract to replace the P42s to me.

 

[j653]

My understanding that the "jobs bill" passed the House today. It is expected to head to the Senate for debate in early 2010.

 

[Mark]

Perhaps they should let Walther's build all the next generation cars-they do a GREAT job with their HO scale models

I believe that most of Walther's stuff is made in China- so no jobs here.

 

[sportbiker]

Perhaps they should let Walther's build all the next generation cars-they do a GREAT job with their HO scale models

I believe that most of Walther's stuff is made in China- so no jobs here.

Athearn. Still made in Southern California.

 

[wayman]

Perhaps they should let Walther's build all the next generation cars-they do a GREAT job with their HO scale models

I believe that most of Walther's stuff is made in China- so no jobs here.

Athearn. Still made in Southern California.

Everything could be scratch-built right here in the states... but then you'd have all sorts of issues with non-standard equipment and increased maintenance overhead... oh, wait, that's sort of the status quo and what we're likely to get in the future anyway with all these Talgos popping up all over! Scratch-build away!