That according to Senator Chuck Schumer who visited Steuben County today to announce that the Amtrak Board of Directors is expected to select Alstom as the train provider for a program to build next-generation high-speed trains. “It’s a win for of course the Southern Tier”, Sen. “It’s one of the biggest things that has happened in the Southern Tier, which has had its share of setbacks”.

Alstom employs more than 1,000 people in New York, part of a France-based global enterprise. That’s about half the number that worked there several years ago when the facility had a contract with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The Northeast Corridor route is the semi-commercial Amtrak’s most popular and money-generating route, connecting Washington with Boston via Philadelphia, New York and other major cities.

With ridership and ticket revenue on the Northeast corridor line increasing over the last decade, Amtrak needs to purchase trains that meet the high demand and quality conditions, Schumer said. Acela passenger cars feature reclining seats, electrical outlets for cell phone charges, and laptop computers and tables.

A company spokesman said Monday they appreciate Schumer’s support but declined to discuss what’s still an open Amtrak procurement. The ripple effect of the deal would be a win for the entire Upstate New York economy, Schumer said.