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Amtrak’s new high-speed NextGen Acela trains to debut this month
Travelers can experience the new ride Aug. 28.
Amtrak’s new high-speed trains will hit the rails later this month.
The much-anticipated NextGen Acela, America’s only high-speed rail service, launches Aug. 28 after years of delays. Passengers will travel 160 mph (10 mph faster than the current fleet), along the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Five new trainsets will roll out initially, with plans for a total of 28 trainsets by 2027.
“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Roger Harris, president of Amtrak, in a statement. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”
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Acela, Amtrak’s premium train service, offers first class and business class seats only. The new trains will deliver a smoother, quieter ride thanks to a “tilt system” and guests will experience upgraded seats, larger bathrooms, a redesigned Cafe Acela, and free high-speed 5G-enabled WiFi, according to Amtrak.
Travelers will sit on wide, ergonomic seats with increased legroom and a winged privacy headrest. They’ll have individual USB ports, power outlets, and reading lights.
A redesigned Cafe Acela will serve food and beverages and include a new grab-and-go area with pre-packaged meals. First class passengers will still enjoy a full meal service, but the launch of NextGen Acela will bring back Acela cart service for business class, where travelers can purchase snack items, wine, beer, spirits, and other beverages from the comfort of their seats.
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“It is a fundamentally better experience than anything Americans have been able to travel on to date in this country,” said Laura Mason, executive vice president of capital delivery for Amtrak, in an Amtrak media video.
The new trains will have 27% more seats per departure, and Amtrak will expand its weekday and weekend schedules to include more daily departures. The company will continue operating the current trains as the new trains transition into the fleet.
The NextGen Acela fleet was built at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, N.Y.
Travelers can book tickets through the Amtrak website, mobile app, or at station kiosks.
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