New Amtrak Locomotives: The Facts

Amtrak Cities Sprinter

Yesterday, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden stood beside U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Amtrak CEO and President Joe Boardman to announce the launch of our Amtrak Cities Sprinter locomotive at an event held at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Go here to see photos from the memorable event.

The first locomotive goes into service today, traveling from Boston to Washington, D.C., on our Northeast Regional service. The remaining locomotives are scheduled for delivery two per month through 2015. Want to learn more? Scroll down for facts about our Amtrak Cities Sprinter. 

1. Made in America
The assembly of the Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) will provide work for 69 local manufacturers in 23 states across 60 cities in the United States.

2.Shiny and New
The 70 new locomotives are replacing equipment that has been in service for more than 25 years and average mileage of more than 3.5 million miles traveled. The new locomotives are part of our comprehensive Fleet Strategy Plan to modernize and add equipment.

3. Keeping it Green
Our new locomotives will be easier to maintain, more energy efficient and provide improved performance for regional and intercity routes.

4. Powerful
The ACS-64 can reach speeds up to 125 mph pulling up to 18 Amfleet coach cars.

5. East Bound
Amtrak Cities Sprinter will operate on the Northeast and Keystone corridors as well as on long-distance trains on the Northeast corridor.

6. Testing Makes Perfect
Over the summer, three locomotives underwent a variety of testing  including ride quality, maximum speed and diagnostics. The testing took place at the U.S. Department of Transportation facility in Pueblo, Colorado and on the Northeast corridor.