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The waiting, and the anticipation, are over. Nearly four years since it announced plans to evaluate European technology in preparation for procuring high speed trainsets for Northeast Corridor Metroliner service, Amtrak has given the go-ahead to a consortium of Bombardier and GEC Alsthom to build and maintain what will be the first true high speed trains to be placed in revenue service in North America.
The contract, worth $754 million, includes supply of 18 integrated, 150-mph electric trainsets, 15 high-horsepower, 125-mph electric locomotives, and specialized maintenance facilities in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. The trainsets and locomotives comprise $611 million of the total contract.
Bombardier/GEC Alsthom will provide interim and permanent financing through "an innovative public/private partnership designed to minimize the commitment of federal funds," the details of which are not finalized, according to Amtrak. In addition, President Clinton has included a one-time $80 million federal capital appropriation in Amtrak's Fiscal Year 1997 budget request for maintenance facility construction.
Compared to the number of high speed trains in service or on order worldwide, Amtrak's procurement is a relatively small piece of the pie. But for the U.S., and for Amtrak, it is of monumental proportion. Bombardier President Peter Stangl called the announcement of the contract...