Amtrak to invest $7.3 billion to upgrade aging train fleet

Amtrak said Wednesday it was making a $7.3 billion investment to "transform" rail travel, as the passenger train service looks to replace its aging fleet with "state-of-the-art" equipment. Amtrak said it was contracting California-based Siemens Mobility Inc. to make up to 83 multi-powered trains, with options for up to 130 additional trains. "This investment is essential to preserving and growing our Northeast Regional and state-supported services and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely, while deeply reducing criteria pollutants," said Amtrack Chief Executive Bill Flynn. The new trains will feature more comfortable seats, individual power outlets and USB ports, Wi-Fi and a more contemporary food service offerings. Amtrak said some of the new trains will be the first with hybrid battery operations.

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