By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The first Amtrak ‘Airo’ car built by Siemens Mobility was unveiled last week at the company’s shop in Sacramento, Calif. The new trains will eventually replace the railroad’s aging Amfleet cars and locomotives on state-supported routes from coast to coast. 

During an event last week, Amtrak and Siemens officials touted the economic benefit of the new trainsets, which feature more than 3,500 parts manufactured by 100 suppliers in 31 states.

“As we build to support the soaring demand for train travel, Amtrak Airo is creating jobs even before the trains are on the tracks,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “The new trains will not only provide world-class accommodations on routes throughout the country but will stimulate local economies as we revolutionize the Amtrak experience.”

Among the routes that will get the new equipment will be the Northeast Corridor, Cascades, Adirondack, Carolinian, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service (Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer), Pennsylvanian, Vermonter and Virginia Services. 

Siemens is expected to build up to 83 dual-power train sets in a deal worth $7.4 billion.