Happening Now
Illinois, California Cars On The Horizon
July 10, 2020
After nearly a decade’s delays, new coaches for Illinois Dept. of Transportation services are expected to begin shipping in August, according to the minutes of the Section 305 Next Generation Equipment Committee teleconference.
Fifty-one cars of the original 130-car order are in production right now at Siemens’ Sacramento facility. Siemens has delivered nine to Caltrans at Stockton, and another two were slated for delivery on June 30.
Rail Passengers Board Vice Chair David Randall, who oversees equipment issues at the Association, notes that it’s important and long-awaited progress.
“The Horizon and Amfleet I cars are simply getting weary,” Randall said. “The ‘gun turret’ windows don’t comply with the Federal Railroad Administration safety regulation that requires windows be 24” high so that folks can evacuate themselves in case of an accident.”
There’s no indication yet when the new cars will enter service. The NGEC minutes say that the “project teams continue to monitor potential production and schedule impacts due to the coronavirus and are receiving frequent updates from SCOA and Siemens.”
"It is an honor to be recognized by the Rail Passengers Association for my efforts to strengthen and expand America’s passenger rail. Golden spikes were once used by railroads to mark the completion of important rail projects, so I am truly grateful to receive the Golden Spike Award as a way to mark the end of a career that I’ve spent fighting to invest in our country’s rail system. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to bolster funding for Amtrak, increase and expand routes, look to the future by supporting high-speed projects, and improve safety, culminating in $66 billion in new funding in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law."
Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
March 30, 2022, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his years of dedication and commitment to passenger rail.
Comments