It will be interesting to see concept drawings of the long distance train's cars. Will they still be "bi-level"? Or will there even be any at all?
The comment of switching between electric and diesel automatically indicates assignments through Washington and Pittsburgh south and west of the NEC. If so, the cars would be all single level. Bi-level cars cannot operate under catenary.
The recent announcement isn't for the long distance routes but only for the "short" runs on the coasts, etc. The long haul cross country routes are getting the new Siemens equipment that started deliveries last spring or summer.
What's the difference between these and those new ones that Charger thing that is now running. The Chargers are in service now right?
The new ones will operate as electric in addition to diesel. They'll be recognizable as having pantographs.
