The first of the new Amtrak Midwest locomotives, which are slated to operate on state-sponsored services in the Midwest, was unveiled at a recent news conference at Chicago Union Station. Amtrak ordered 33 of the Siemens Charger locomotives, which are already in use in Illinois and Wisconsin.
The completed trains will be deployed from Chicago on Lincoln Service, Illini/Saluki and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg to and from Downstate Illinois; Hiawatha Service in Illinois and Wisconsin; Wolverine Service/Blue Water/Pere Marquette to and from Michigan; and Missouri River Runner between Kansas City and St. Louis.
The Siemens Charger locomotives offer enhanced lower maintenance costs, reduced fuel consumption and quieter operation. They are powered by a midwest-made 4,400 horsepower Cummins QSK95 diesel engine and will be able to operate at speeds up to 125 mph, with faster acceleration and braking for better on-time reliability. They meet the latest safety regulations and feature better traction for improved performance.
They feature the new Amtrak MidwestSM logo to promote the five–state network of trains.
“Our individual Amtrak Midwest routes are made even stronger by being part of a network of connecting trains, stations, and reservation systems, which are a product of our state partners working together under the Amtrak umbrella,” said Amtrak Senior Director State Contracts Michael Franke. “These locomotives will power the Amtrak Midwest brand, bringing even better service to our customers.”
The locomotives, which are being purchased through $216.5 million in federal funds, are part of a larger effort to improve passenger rail service in Illinois and the Midwest.
“This procurement with partnering Midwest states has shown we can work together for a common goal,” said Director Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Rail Tim Hoeffner. “In the coming weeks, Michigan will begin the replacement of older engines with brand new, high-tech locomotives operating on all of our passenger rail corridors, which will complement our 110-mph service.”
The locomotives are being manufactured by Siemens at its 1,000-person rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento, Calif.
“We’re building these locomotives in California, for the United States, bringing the latest technologies to life for riders. These are among the nation’s cleanest locomotives and we’re proud to have not only worked closely with Amtrak and the state DOTs to bring these to the Midwest, but also our robust chain of suppliers from across the country,” said Siemens Mobility Vice President for Locomotives Armin Kick.