All photos courtesy of Amtrak
The fastest train in the United States is getting faster. This week, Amtrak will roll out the “NextGen” Acela, a new fleet of sleek trains traveling between Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. at 160 miles per hour, up from the Acela’s current 150 miles per hour. Not only will the trains move faster, but the NextGen Acela will also offer better onboard features, including ergonomic seating, extra legroom, large windows, high-speed WiFi, and new wayfinding screens. The first day of service for the new trains is Thursday, August 28.
“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “History will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”
Manufactured by Alstom at their facility in Hornell, New York, five new trainsets will be in service initially, with all 28 new NextGen Acela trains introduced by 2027. Like all Acela trains, the trains are all business or first class.
As of Tuesday, tickets for the inaugural NextGen trip, one-way from Boston to D.C., start at $217 for business and over $500 for first class.
The trains will hold 27 percent more seats per departure, allowing expanded weekday and weekend schedules. Thanks to a new tilt system, Acela rides will be smoother even at top speeds of 160 miles per hour, 10 mph faster than the current fleet.
Passengers on the new Acela trains can expect elevated amenities, like high-speed 5G WiFi, individual power outlets, and reading lights at each seat. Wide ergonomic seating offers more legroom, and a winged privacy headrest adds to the comfort.
Onboard, Cafe Acela will serve a range of fresh food and beverages, including new grab-and-go self-service for easier checkout. Plus, there will be cart service during select departures.
First class will have a designated car at the front of the train, spacious seating, including some solo seats. Plus, riders will be offered at-seat meal service, with dishes from James Beard Award winner Stephen Starr.
Acela is central to Amtrak’s fleet modernization plan, which features new Airo trains debuting on the Cascades, Northeast Regional, and East Coast routes, more efficient long-distance locomotives, and upgraded interiors in coaches, dining cars, sleepers, and sightseer lounges.
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