USA: The Avelia Liberty high-speed train has finally passed an extended series of computer modelling tests, and the Federal Railroad Administration has allowed it to begin testing on the tracks between Washington, D.C., and Boston.
The computer model should have preceded the building of the first train, according to the New York Times.
The trains should have been put into public service in 2021 but the tests saw difficulties that led to modifications of the train design. Although Alstom warned the national operator Amtrak that the new trains could not run safely on the Northeast Corridor tracks, the manufacturer was ready to work out the problems, and Amtrak agreed as they saw no other alternatives.
The New York Times says that Alstom has already delivered ten out of 28 trains that were contracted in 2016. The launch of the new fleet is to take place in October. By November 2023, the delay has already cost Amtrak $140 mln.
