nization Along the NEC DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 13 Next-Generation Trainsets Th e 28 next-generation high-speed train sets, Avelia Liberty, replacing part of the Acela Express service, are being built by Alstom. Th ere are three aspects of Avelia Liberty that make it ideal for the NEC: articulated architecture, anticipative active tilting and compact power cars. Alstom Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Planning Scott Sherin explained the increased comfort, safety, speed and capacity achieved: Th e articulated architecture provides special joints between the passenger cars with the bogies affi xed under them so there are no “gaps” or “weak links” between the passenger cars. Th is connects the entire train as a solid, rigid mass so the individual cars cannot move or bounce independently, resulting in a smoother ride for passengers and providing increased safety by mitigating the risk of a roll-over in the event of a derailment. Th e anticipative active tilting enables the train to tilt, or “lean into curves” so the train can maintain higher speeds through curves that are typically found in tracks not specifi cally designed for high speed, while also maintaining and passenger comfort compared to non-tilting trains. By maintaining higher speeds throughout the trip, the trainsets are able to reduce overall journey times. Th e compact power cars and miniaturization of key propulsion and electronics enable Avelia Liberty to provide more space for passengers on a 200 meter long trainset. As a result, Amtrak will be able to carry approximately 1/3 more passengers on the next generation Avelia Liberty Trainsets. Th e new trains will operate at speeds of up to 160 mph, with the capability of traveling up to 186 mph, though it may only be along about 30 miles of the route under current conditions. Yachmetz said, “Th e capability of the trainset design and infrastructure improvements fi nanced through the loan will allow Amtrak to raise speeds on several segments of the NEC up to 160mph. Beyond that, he said, there are infrastructure improvements THE ANTICIPATIVE active tilting enables the train to tilt, or “lean into curves” so the train can maintain higher speeds through curves that are typically found in tracks not specifically designed for high speed, while also maintaining and even exceeding passenger comfort compared to non-tilting trains. BALTIMORE PENN Station is a vital link along the NEC. Alstom Mark L. Dennis/City of Baltimore
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