As advocates for robust and modern passenger rail in the Buckeye State, we at All Aboard Ohio are thrilled by today’s monumental announcement from Amtrak. On April 15, 2026, Amtrak officially kicked off the procurement process for its largest-ever Long-Distance train order.

For Ohioans who rely on cross-country and overnight rail, this is the news we have been waiting for.

Over 800 New Railcars Are on the Horizon

Amtrak’s formal request for suppliers calls for more than 800 new, state-of-the-art railcars across 14 long-distance routes. Designed to replace an aging fleet of passenger cars that are approaching nearly half a century of service, this once-in-a-generation replacement program is set to transition all long-distance routes to a universal, single-level fleet.

What This Means for Ohio’s Vital Routes

For Ohio, long-distance routes are a critical part of our transportation network, linking our major cities, smaller towns, and rural communities to the rest of the country while supporting regional economic growth.

We are excited about the direct impact this will have on the beloved long-distance trains that pass right through Ohio:

• The Floridian: Connecting Ohioans to the Midwest and the Southeast with renewed comfort and reliability.

• The Lake Shore Limited: Our vital northern artery connecting Chicago, Cleveland, and the East Coast along Lake Erie.

• The Cardinal: Winding through the scenic Ohio River Valley and Appalachian Mountains.

"This new fleet ensure that whether you're traveling for business or taking a scenic vacation, Ohioans will be able to enjoy a comfortable, safe, and fully modernized journey" says All Aboard Ohio Board Chair Mitch Radakovich.

Ushering in a "New Golden Age of Travel"

The excitement isn't just local; it's a national movement. As highlighted in Amtrak's newest video release, this procurement represents a "new era, new trains." Transportation Secretary Duffy said, noting that these modern, American-made cars will help usher in a "new golden age of travel."

Developed in close coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the program has garnered high-level support, with FRA Administrator Fink emphasizing how this strategy will improve safety, reliability, and the overall customer experience.

Full Speed Ahead

Interested car builders are already preparing their proposals, and Amtrak plans to announce the selected supplier by the end of 2027. Combined with the rollout of new high-powered ALC-42 locomotives (with 79 of 125 units already delivered), Ohio's long-distance rail future has never looked brighter.

As the video announcement proudly declared: "We're just getting started." Here at All Aboard Ohio, we couldn't agree more. Our riders deserve the best, and we are ready to move full speed ahead into a new era of American train travel.