System compatibility of the HST

This project started in 1994 with the writing of the specifications for the new trainsets and locomotives. This was done by Amtrak and its consultant, LTK Engineering Services. The specifications were reviewed and revised during a series of meetings with prospective bidders. The field was narrowed to three and a contract for the trainsets and locomotives was awarded May 1, 1996 to the Consortium of Bombardier (Canada) and GEC-Alsthom (France). The Consortium was subsequently awarded contracts for the building of dedicated maintenance facilities (Boston and Washington) and management services. In addition to the new rolling stock, the project also included the electrification of the existing NEC line between New Haven and Boston. This is referred to as the North end electrification and consists of the installation of new 25 kV, 60 Hz, catenary along with new substations to power it. The first trainsets and locomotives will be delivered in the Fall of 1999. The entire project is budgeted at $2.2 billion