Amtrak
and social space. Allard says the idea was to
introduce a friendly space, where passengers
could meet up. There are no seats, but tables
where passengers can rest their drinks.
Flow and access
A lot of attention has been paid to making the
passenger’s entire trip as easy as possible.
For example, there is a seat reservation system
that distinguishes free spaces. Seatbacks have
integrated handles, and there are grab bars
throughout the train. “It’s not only about when
the passenger is at their seat,” explains Allard.
“When you’re at the station you must be able
to see the entrance easily when the train
arrives. Once in the vestibule, everything must
be done to help the passenger find their seat
easily and stow their baggage easily. This
involves a tremendous level of detail.”
There is a very large luggage stack at the
front of each coach, just after the vestibule.
Once again they have been designed to be
sturdy, and look it too. The overhead luggage
racks differ from the previous design in that
they are open and streamlined.
There are gap fillers to cover the space
between the train and the platform. “Boarding
is really easy,” says Allard. “In the USA they
have an advantage over the French system; the
floor of the train is at exactly the same level
as the platform. It’s a very big advantage,
because in France you are obliged to use
a ramp. So the entrance is flush and flat,
and it enables very good accessibility.
Once on board, you can move through
the train, and enjoy all the facilities.
Anything is possible, because there is
enough room. The fluidity between the
coaches is very good.”
There are also specific areas for
wheelchairs, and ADA restrooms with
a 60in (152cm)-diameter turning radius.
Passenger information
Each car has six LED screens, providing
real-time information including location, speed
and announcements. In fact there are screens
on the entrance doors, in the vestibules and
in the seating areas, to ensure everyone can
see one. Allard says the content is managed
by Amtrak, but the system is also capable of
delivering advertisements. He also says the
technology can be upgraded to keep pace with
future changes. “There is a possibility for the
train to be upgraded in the future, but it was
very important to equip the train with proven
technology, to make the train as reliable as
possible,” he adds.
US SUPPLIERS
Compin is the primary seat supplier, and has teamed with a
US company to supply the units. The project involves more
than 250 suppliers in total. In fact, 95% of the components are
being made in the USA, across 27 states. In addition, US$280m
(€253m) worth of materials and services are being procured
from disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses.
“To be approved in the US market, it was vital to have a very
strong link with the US manufacturing industry,” says Xavier
Allard. “The list of the suppliers was discussed and validated
by Amtrak, but it was our responsibility to select them.
Alstom works with more than 500 suppliers across the US,
so we know the best of them, and this was important in making
this selection in collaboration with Amtrak.”
Railway Interiors International ANNUAL SHOWCASE 2019 42
The project is
funded through
the FRA’s Railroad
Rehabilitation &
Improvement Financing
programme, to be repaid
through revenue
growth on the line
RIGHT: First
class, shown as
part of a mock-up
BOTTOM: The
cupholder can be
used separately
to the tray table
INSET: Social
space in the
cafe car