In case you missed it, here is video of the Amtrak Press Conference — where it was announced that California will be buying Acela-2 trainsets.
And if you were wondering how (or why?) a single trainset may be designed for both the NEC and CHSRA, you can listen as John Boardman explains that it is simply a matter of switching the trucks…or um, something.
And if you were wondering how this will reduce costs for California, you can listen as Jeff Morales explains that Buy-America policies, and a proprietary FRA spec will increase their buying power…or um, something.
Actually, the entire video is a huge embarrassment to the profession. I suggest having a lot of stiff drinks to make it through all the cringe-worthy moments.
Advertisements
Is it just me or does Szebo come off like he knows what he’s saying is BS?
[…] different, effectively rendering such an RFI a pointless, and potentially dangerous, example of government incompetence. To fully understand why, knowledge of Amtrak and CAHSR’s plans is […]
I had for a long while remained optimistic that the CAHSR Authority would make decisions with operating professionals that would permit the system to flourish, despite even the early routing flaws over the mountains and in cities. But this…this, amongst other persistent issues drives that hope right into a wall. It is very doubtful wisdom can prevail here and the state will be stuck with a subpar network of faster than usual trains.
Just give it away to SNCF already. At least we would then be damned with a worthwhile system as a consequence.
You’ve completely misunderstood this entire announcment. Perhaps because you’re drunk.
In fact, CHSRA is already subject to the FRA’s rules *and* is already subjec to Buy American rules. Amtrak is joining in the order in hopes of getting the same exemptions which the CHSRA needs, more or less.
[…] has the FRA learned anything from that fiasco? You would have thought so, based on the joint press conference held by the FRA, Amtrak, and the CHSRA. The key message was that this time Acela-2 would be an […]
[…] apparent hard line notwithstaning, the blog notes that the buck stops with FRA chief Joe Szabo, who seems amenable to using compatible “off-the-shelf” product for the next Acela and California […]