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The first specifications for bi-level coach, dining, baggage, and business class rail cars to be constructed under the U.S. government’s High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program were approved August 31 by the executive board of the Next Generation Equipment Committee, The approved specifications apply to bi-level passenger rail cars capable of speeds up to 125 mph.

Committee chairman Bill Bronte says the “generic specification” for rail high-speed equipment marks “an important first step towards creating a pipeline of passenger rail equipment that will be needed over the coming decades.” Additionally, it creates a “level playing field for U.S. manufacturers and … a strong incentive for the expansion of the U.S. rail equipment manufacturing industry.”

U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood says the country’s “first-ever uniform standards will provide an unprecedented opportunity for manufacturers in the U.S. — from rails to wheel bearings, to final assembly — to build a strong, stable manufacturing base.”

The Committee was established by Congress in January. It’s charted to develop specifications for — and procure — standardized next-generation corridor rail equipment. States using federal funds for their high-speed and intercity passenger rail programs are required to utilize equipment that complies with the Committee’s specifications. During its first year, the Committee was tasked with generating the specs for bi-level cars, single-level cars, and diesel-electric locomotives, qualified for speeds up to 125 mph. Next, the specs for higher-speed cars and locomotives will be developed.

82 projects in 31 states have been allocated $8 billion in funding
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The Obama Administration funded the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail project (HSISPR) with $8 billion as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 authorized $1.9 billion over five years for grants to states, and federal funding in both FY 2009 and FY2010 ($2.9 and $2.5 billion, respectively) was allocated for high-speed and intercity passenger rail programs.

The final specifications and other information regarding the Next Generation Equipment Committee may be found here. Further information on the U.S. High-Speed Rail program is available here. Of particular interest is the 26-page High-Speed Rail in America Strategic Plan (pdf download).