Bigger, faster Acela trains on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor between D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston will make their debut on Aug. 28.
Upgrading the Acela fleet dates back to at least 2018, when manufacturer Alstom began prototype production at its Hornell factory in Hornell, New York. The new fleet is part of Amtrak’s ongoing $2.4 billion Northeast Corridor infrastructure improvement project.
The roomier passenger cars include more leg room and larger tray tables in both classes. Seats include USB ports, adjustable reading lights and cars have streamlined overhead luggage compartments. The cafe cars have self-select and check-out options.
Richard Rudolph, chair of the passenger advocacy group Rail Users Network, told WTOP’s Dan Ronan that the current trains have reached the end of their useful life.
“The oldest ACELA equipment is pretty much worn out, and its high time to have new equipment,” Rudolph said.
The new Acela trains are capable of traveling at speeds up to 160 mph, which is 10 mph greater than the current Acela models, Rudolph added. Other changes will make it a smoother, quieter ride. But Rudolph said the U.S. is still far behind when it comes to high-speed rail.
“This is not high speed like what exists in Europe, Japan or China,” Rudolph said.
Each trainset can carry up to 386 passengers, a 27% increase over the current Acela train cars.
Five trains will begin service this month initially, with more joining the fleet through 2027. Alstom is manufacturing a total of 28 Acela train sets.
Alstom’s contract to manufacture the trains includes use of components from more than 180 suppliers across 29 states. Amtrak said the Acela contract has created about 15,000 jobs.
WTOP’s Dan Ronan and Abigail Constantino contributed to this report.
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