NEWS National Railroad Passenger Corporation 60 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-906-3860 Fax: 202-906-3864; 202-906-3865 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATK-96-66 March 15, 1996 Contact: Rick Remington (215) 349-2735 Cliff Black (202) 906-3855 AMTRAK UNVEILS AMERICA'S FIRST HIGH SPEED TRAINS WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Amtrak today unveiled America's first high speed trains that will carry millions of rail customers between Washington and Boston at speeds of up to 150 mph starting in the Fall of 1999. The Amtrak Board of Directors announced it had selected the consortium of Bombardier/GEC Alsthom to build a fleet of 18 American Flyer high speed trainsets, 15 high horsepower electric locomotives and three maintenance facilities. The American Flyer will dramatically reduce travel times between major cities in the Northeast, stimulate economic growth, set new worldwide standards for train safety and spearhead the development of high speed rail corridors elsewhere in the United States. Production of the train locomotives and cars at Bombardier's plants in Barre, Vt. and Plattsburgh, N.Y. will be financed through an innovative public/private partnership designed to minimize the commitment of federal funds. Amtrak intends to finalize a $611 million contract with Bombardier/GEC Alsthom by the end of next month as part of the overall $754 million procurement. "These high speed trains promise not only to revolutionize transportation in America, but to launch a - more - - 2 - ATK-96-66 whole new industry in our country,'' said Amtrak President Thomas M. Downs. "The delivery of these trains will enable Amtrak to carry its customers into the 21st Century aboard 21st Century trains. They also will signal the entry of America and, more significantly, Amtrak into the market for high speed rail where growing demand worldwide in the years ahead will create lucrative job opportunities for thousands of skilled workers.'' "We're here to celebrate a major moment in the history of railroads,' said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Federico Pe¤a. "Before the turn of the century, high speed trains are coming to America.' The selection of the American Flyer culminated an exhaustive review of competing designs submitted by three teams of manufacturers. The American Flyer will be an American-built train taking into account the particular terrain, weather, population density, travel distances and other characteristics of the United States, while incorporating many of the best features of the TGV train that have emerged from years of operation in France. The trains employ advanced "tilt'' technology that allows the cars to lean through curves, enhancing performance at high speeds and improving ride comfort. "We are most delighted and honored to stand with Amtrak as a partner as they undertake this precedent-setting high speed rail project, the first in the U.S.,'' said Peter Stangl, the president of Bombardier Transit Corp. "We are fully committed to deliver to Amtrak and America the world's finest high speed passenger trains. We are excited and ready to go.'' Amtrak customers will begin to see the new trains at the end of 1999 as they replace the Metroliner fleet. The Metroliner equipment will be used to upgrade Amtrak's NortheastDirect service. Each trainset will consist of locomotives on the front and rear with six cars in between. The American Flyer will exceed the 125 mph now achieved by Amtrak's Metroliners along sections of the Northeast Corridor between New York and Washington. The improvement will be even more dramatic - more - - 3 - ATK-96-66 between Boston and New York where speeds currently do not exceed 100 mph. With the American Flyer, the average running time between Boston and New York, now four-and-a-half hours, will be cut to three hours. The average trip from New York to Washington, now three hours, will be reduced to two hours, 45 minutes. In addition to the trains' high speed performance, quick acceleration and futuristic design, the American Flyer will offer on-board amenities that are dramatically upgraded from what is now available aboard trains or planes. All 345 seats aboard the six-car trains will be equipped with 120-volt outlets for laptop computers and audio entertainment with provisions for video entertainment. Business travelers will have access to phones, fax machines and conference tables. A bistro car will feature upscale menu selections. The American Flyer will set new worldwide standards for passenger rail safety, incorporating onboard diagnostic systems to monitor the operation of the train's various mechanical and electrical systems and alert the engineer to failures or automatically trigger safety responses. "High speed rail will offer a superior mode of travel that is safe, comfortable and convenient,'' Downs said. "We expect this travel experience will attract millions of new customers to Amtrak, particularly in the Boston-to-New York corridor, generate additional revenue and help us achieve our goal of running the railroad free of federal operating support.'' The $754 million procurement will be financed largely through the private capital market. Bombardier/GEC Alsthom and their banks will provide both interim and permanent financing for the trainsets and high horsepower locomotives and a portion of the maintenance facility costs. The permanent financing will be repaid with revenue generated by the new service. As part of the public/private partnership, Amtrak has requested a one-time $100 million federal capital appropriation to prepare the three maintenance yards for construction. The yards will be located in Washington, New York and Boston. - more - - 4 - ATK-96-66 "High speed rail is moving forward because the private sector is convinced it will succeed,'' Downs said. "Lenders obviously feel confident about the prospects for high speed rail service in America and the new Amtrak's ability to deliver that service with world class quality.'' As part of the contract, Amtrak also negotiated the purchase of 15 high horsepower electric locomotives to replace its aging fleet of E-60 locomotives and to power the additional NortheastDirect service that will run between New Haven and Boston when electrification of that section is completed. These locomotives will be capable of operating up to 125 mph, far surpassing the E-60's top speed of 90 mph. "One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its potential to create thousands of skilled jobs and give birth to a new American industry,'' Downs added. "The employment opportunities are both immediate in the construction work that needs to be done on the Northeast Corridor and the jobs created by building the new trainsets. But the economic benefits extend much further in the future.'' A Coalition of Northeastern Governors' study has estimated that new economic growth stimulated along the route of the high speed rail line will generate nearly 5,000 new job opportunities and $440 million a year in increased business sales activity. In the short term, Amtrak conservatively estimates that 6,000 jobs will be created directly among contractors and through their subcontractors located throughout the United States. The design and construction of the trainsets will employ 1,150 fulltime workers every year over three years. The procurement of the trainsets is the last of three components to be implemented for the Northeast Corridor high speed rail program. Significant infrastructure work was required to upgrade the Northeast Corridor between New Haven and Boston, a 150-year-old rail bed equipped with 1940s technology. For high speed rail operations, major capital - more - - 5 - ATK-96-66 improvements are underway, such as replacing bridges, realigning sharp curves, increasing clearances to allow for the installation of overhead electric catenary wires and installing state-of-the-art crossovers that will enable trains to switch tracks at 80 mph. The other major component involves the final electrification of the Northeast Corridor between New Haven and Boston, a project that was conceived over 75 years ago. A $321 million contract was awarded to a joint venture of Balfour Beatty and Massachusetts Electric Co. in December to complete the work in time for the start of high speed service in 1999. # # # HIGH SPEED RAIL EMERGING CORRIDORS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES Amtrak's program to bring high speed rail service to the Northeast Corridor is only the first step in providing high-speed service to travelers across the United States. In many highly populated corridors similar to the Northeast, the prospect of fast, safe, environmentally sound and convenient transportation is motivating communities to forge partnerships to develop new rail systems. Amtrak is an active partner in these efforts, providing technical advice and market development through existing passenger services. In addition, Amtrak stands ready to offer its experience and expertise to operate new high speed services. The lessons learned and experience gained through completion of the Northeast Corridor high speed rail program will lead the way for nationwide high speed rail service. Following is a summary of high speed rail initiatives underway elsewhere in the country: BAKERSFIELD-OAKLAND Over $50 million is being expended to upgrade sections of the existing Burlington Northern/Santa Fe infrastructure to increase train speeds incrementally and allow for future high speed service through California's San Joaquin Valley. CALIFORNIA The State of California has made significant investments to support intercity rail. A High Speed Rail Commission, appointed by the Governor, is expected to issue recommendations later this year on future implementation of high speed rail projects in existing and emerging corridors. CHARLOTTE-RALEIGH-RICHMOND The States of North Carolina and Virginia have formed a partnership to develop a high speed rail corridor between Charlotte, Raleigh and Richmond that will link with the high speed Northeast Corridor at Washington, D.C. Amtrak is the project manager for this program. The detailed planning, preliminary engineering and design for this project are underway and will be developed in two phases: Charlotte to Raleigh and Raleigh to Richmond. North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., has called for two-hour service by the year 2000 between Charlotte and Raleigh and has created the Transit 2001 Commission, a blue ribbon, bipartisan organization designed to oversee this and other public transportation development. CHICAGO-DETROIT The State of Michigan, the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak are working together to bring high-speed rail service to this corridor through a $19 million track and signal upgrading project. Nearly one-third of this money comes from the FRA. High speed rail service will become a reality here in the Fall of 1996 when train speeds reach 100 mph on an Amtrak-owned segment of the corridor. Michigan and Amtrak are testing a state-of-the-art train control system on this portion of the line. Further improvements will continue on an incremental basis. CHICAGO- MILWAUKEE A detailed analysis of the feasibility of high speed rail service between Chicago and Milwaukee will be completed this year. The study, jointly commissioned by the Illinois and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation, will produce a blueprint for reducing rail travel time between the two cities by 30 minutes. The current trip takes 90 minutes. CHICAGO- ST. LOUIS The State of Illinois is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development of high speed rail on this corridor. It is also developing advanced train control which will improve operating speeds on 110 miles of this 282-mile corridor. Additionally, the state is developing state-of-the-art grade crossing protection devices which will initially be installed at three locations. Illinois has also received federal funding to complete a project to rebuild a connection at the southern end of the corridor which will allow higher speeds for existing and proposed high speed service. EUGENE-SEATTLE-VANCOUVER, B.C. The State of Washington has appropriated $24 million to acquire two trainsets equipped with tilt technology to operate along the curving track of the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor. Use of the equipment will further a comprehensive program of reducing travel times through incremental increases of track speeds. LOS ANGELES-SAN DIEGO Trains along the San Diegan line, Amtrak's second busiest corridor, now operate up to 90 mph. Infrastructure improvements have helped accommodate additional rail traffic and have allowed for incremental speed increases, raising the average track speed and further reducing travel time between these two cities. MIAMI-ORLANDO-TAMPA The State of Florida last month awarded a high speed rail franchise to a consortium that includes Bombardier and GEC Alsthom which has proposed building a dedicated passenger rail right-of-way and high speed trainsets. The service is to become operational within eight to 10 years. NEW YORK CITY- ALBANY The State of New York and Amtrak last year completed the retrofit of a Turboliner with state-of-the-art technology and placed the train into regular service between New York City and Albany. Plans are underway to retrofit more of the state's Turboliner fleet with the new technology which is capable of operating up to 125 mph. The state is also developing a capital improvement plan for the right-of-way that would enable Turboliners to operate at the higher speeds. VIRGINIA Studies regarding a variety of high speed rail corridors are underway. HIGH SPEED RAIL A NEW EXPERIENCE IN TRAVEL High speed rail service will introduce a new generation of passenger amenities tailored to meet the demands of business travelers and enhance the riding comfort of leisure travelers. Amtrak is committed to developing a travel experience that will further widen the gap between passenger rail and the air shuttles in terms of comfort, cost and convenience. Flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and travel demands has been a guiding principle in the design of the trains. Rather than incorporate the telecommunications equipment of 1996, Amtrak will ensure the trains are equipped to power the fax machines and audiovisual equipment of the 21st Century. In addition, the cabin interiors are being designed with the flexibility to create different seating configurations and allow for the installation of bulkheads to create separate seating areas. Advanced "tilt'' technology will improve ride comfort at high speeds. Noise and vibration reducing measures have been incorporated into the design of the American Flyer to assure the train is quiet both inside and out. Fully accessible trains will enhance the pleasure of travel for all customers from station platforms to the bistro car to thoughtfully designed, spacious restrooms. Food service will offer upscale menu choices and beverage service will be available at several locations throughout the train. Four table seating groups will be provided in each car to facilitate meetings or dining. The American Flyer will carry 345 customers in the comfort which seasoned business travelers now anticipate. Every seat will have a 120-volt outlet to plug in laptop computers. Extra large tray tables will provide more than enough room for computers and power packs. Audio entertainment will be provided at each seat, including a variety of music and news selections unlike the "canned'' broadcasts of the airlines. Provisions will be made for video entertainment. Even the seats will be redesigned to improve comfort. Passenger information display screens and attendant call buttons will be located throughout the trains. High speed rail will benefit NortheastDirect customers as well. As new American Flyers are added to the fleet, Metroliner equipment will be reassigned to NortheastDirect, providing those customers with roomier seating and plusher interiors. HIGH SPEED RAIL SAFETY -- SETTING A NEW WORLD STANDARD Amtrak's new high speed trains not only will incorporate the latest innovations in performance and passenger amenities, but will set new standards worldwide for the safety of customers and crew alike. Passenger rail travel year-in, year-out represents one of the safest forms of transportation, a reputation the new high speed trains will enhance. Amtrak instituted a formal program to identify and address potential safety issues throughout the design of the high speed trains and will team with the contractor and its suppliers to implement and monitor the features during construction and operation of the trains. The new safety features include: TRAIN OPERATION * Cab signals capable of enforcing speeds and stopping the train will be installed. Speed changes and speeding violations will be audibly signaled to the engineer; a failure to respond will trigger an automatic application of the brakes. * A Train Control System will monitor the mechanical operation of the train and intervene if unsafe conditions are detected. For instance, if any set of wheels, or truck, becomes unstable, the system will slow the train until the wheels stabilize. * A Trainset Data Management System will continuously monitor the operation of all electronic systems, including fire detection, bearing overheating, braking and cab signals. * The tilt system will be continuously monitored and includes an alarm system to alert the engineer of any failures. Detection of a failure will reduce the speed of the train to a level that is safe without the tilting capabilities. * A fire suppression system in each locomotive will sound a warning alarm to the crew in the event of an engine fire and automatically activate if the crew fails to respond within a specified time. * To extinguish engine fires, firefighters will be able to connect hoses directly into a piping system that runs through the body of the locomotive. This feature will eliminate the need for firefighters to search for access points to the interior. STRUCTURAL STRENGTH * The structural strength requirements of the car bodies and locomotives set new standards. Corner and side strengths have been increased and the front and rear of the trainsets have been designed to absorb the impact of a collision and protect the passengers inside. The locomotive cab has been reenforced to provide additional protection for the crew. * The strength of the windshield and passenger side windows have been increased to account for the high speed operation. INTERIORS * Strength requirements have been increased for seats and tables. * Energy absorbent padding will be used in the passenger compartments. * Directional lighting showing emergency routes and fixtures next to emergency windows will remain illuminated in the event of a power outage. * The overhead baggage compartments will be enclosed. DOORS * Trains will be prevented from moving until all doors are closed and locked and stairways are fully retracted. * Doors will be unable to open when the train is in motion or on the unattended side of the train during station stops. * Audio/visual warning systems on the exterior of the train will operate when doors are about to close. * Each side door will be equipped with manual release mechanisms inside and outside the train for use in emergencies. WINDOWS * The number of emergency window exits has been increased to 17 per car, exceeding the present requirement of four. PA SYSTEM * Rescue workers outside of a train will be able to communicate to crew members inside with an emergency public address system.