Alstom isn't starting up anything or positioning itself for anything -- at least not at this time. They currently have a small facility at the north end of the Oakland UP yard where they do wreck repairs for Caltrans Rail Division (competitively bid). Caltrans Rail Division (the State) owns all the Amtrak California cars and locos used in San Joaquin and Cap Corridor service. Alstom is moving to the Mare Island facility for more room and better facilities. Any other plans they may have will most likely be announced by an Alstom rep later.

The Alstom guys (and Phyllis!) do GREAT work in miserable conditions and return the wreck damaged cars and locos in better shape than when they were new. Each of the people there obviously take pride in their work and have done some pretty spectacular repairs. They truly are artists and craftsmen. By the way, I'm fairly certain none of them speak French!