WASHINGTON — Amtrak is now offering assigned seating for customers booking first-class seats on some Acela trains.
After evaluating the launch, the rail service said it expects to introduce seat assignments on more departures this year.
Seats are assigned automatically upon reservation, but customers can modify their assigned seat at any time before boarding on the Amtrak app or website. There are no fees to choose or modify a seat assignment on the Northeast Corridor trains.
“By reducing the anxiety and stress of boarding, we’re making the onboarding process easier, while continuing to ensure the safety of our customers,” said Amtrak chief marketing officer Tim Griffin.”Customers have long requested assigned seats on trains, allowing families, friends and colleagues to sit together.”
There are several seating configurations in Acela first-class cars, including single and double seats, and two- or four-person conference tables.
Amtrak also recently announced interior upgrades to its Acela Express trains. It is also pouring $22.4 billion into its Acela service and on extensive renovations at Union Station.
The all-new Acela train sets are expected to go into service by early 2021.
