Vivarail battery-powered train is a first for the Americas.
Vivarail has sent a second set of battery train stock across the Atlantic, as the US looks set to break new ground with the “Pop-Up Metro” concept.
Two cars were shipped to Baltimore on 9 April and will join their sisters in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania, later this month for testing and demonstrations.
The intention is to lease the trains for use in underutilised lines across the US to pursue “Pop-Up Metro” routes, offering lower cost, lower risk, faster starts of rail-based transit services in the Americas.
Henry Posner III, Chairman of Vivarail shareholder Railroad Development Corporation said: “There’s a lot of excitement about the possibilities that our Pop-Up Metro proposition brings to the Americas.
“With two trains we are now positioned to act on multiple opportunities at the same time. This is critical in positioning Pop-Up Metro as an alternative for the industry at a time when both rail access and decarbonisation have become national priorities. It also helps that the trains are stylish and comfortable.”
Steve McBride, Managing Director of Vivarail said: “We’re incredibly proud that the technology we created in the UK is leading the way for battery-powered train operations in the Americas.
“This opens up a new market for Vivarail’s technology and shows that battery-power is a viable and efficient solution to decarbonise the railway.”
For more information, visit vivarail.co.uk.
