The Argentinean government is placing a $506 million order for 409 new electric multiple unit passenger cars to be built in China by the China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corp.
From Trains Newswire today.
Maybe the FEC can get coaches for <$1M?
Cool!
Does this mean that for one year of Amtrak subsidy, Amtrak could simply just start over and get all new rolling stock?
Is there are a reason for baggage cars to meet the crush strength regs? Could baggage cars be purchased for this amount of money?
Doesn’t the crush strength and all other regulations apply to both getting crushed and doing the crushing?
Yes. Both. And locomotives too.
You can use the methodology for environmental regs that weighs the cost against the benefit and see if the FRA stds as they exist are worth their cost.
Elsewhere in the world the so called “loading gauge” is much a lot less allowing for higher speeds and lower fuel costs. It is done with investment in infrastructure and avoidance signal and operating systems. Cost less and seem to be effective in economy and safety. Will the US ever use it? I would say yes if it were to be on dedicated passenger track except that subways on such dedicated track here are heavy.