Amtrak releasing six 50th anniversary commemorative painted locomotives
Amtrak fans across the country may soon spot a few locomotives featuring new logos rolling down the tracks as the rail service celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. “We chose locomotives already budgeted for new paint as part of our life cycle preventative maintenance program,” said Amtrak President Stephen Gardner, “the locomotive designs uniquely honor our heritage and our vision.” The first of six different commemorative locomotives has already entered service. Others wil be rolling out over the coming months. [amtrak.com]
Washington DC Metro awards railcar contract to Hitachi
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has awarded Hitachi Rail a contract to supply the next generation of trains for the capital’s metro network. The $2.2 billion contract includes a firm order for 256 vehicles with options for the remaining 544. The new cars will enable the WMATA to operate all trains as eight-car sets with more frequent services at peak times. The new vehicles are expected to be lighter, safer and more energy-efficient than those they replace. Digital displays and dynamic maps will provide real-time passenger information. The first vehicles are due to be delivered from 2024. [railwaygazette.com]
Chicago’s Metra OKs initial 200-car order from Alstom
Manufacturing operation company Alstom has secured an initial order from Chicago’s Metra commuter rail system to deliver 200 push-pull commuter rail cars. The value of the initial order is approximately $775 million. The order is part of a January 2020 contract with Alstom for up to 500 rail cars. New multilevel railcars, which feature wide, touchless doors, and streamlined interiors, will be ADA-compliant. The rail cars will be energy-efficient and 90% recyclable. [railwaygazette.com]
Scotland decides to nationalize passenger rail
The Scottish government in Edinburgh has announced it will create a company to take over operation of almost all passenger trains in Scotland from next year. The Scottish rail network, which has been branded Scotrail since the 1980s, is currently run by Abellio, the international division of Dutch Railways,. Abellio had failed to meet several performance targets prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and had been told its contract would not be extended in late 2019. [trains.com]
