Summary
Amtrak's new NextGen Acela trains will start service on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., on Thursday. These trains are faster and larger than the current Acela fleet, designed to enhance passenger experience despite limitations from aging infrastructure. The rollout followed delays due to technical issues, with the trains being manufactured in New York.
Key Facts
- Amtrak will introduce faster Acela trains, called NextGen, in the Northeast Corridor.
- These trains can reach speeds of up to 160 miles per hour, which is 10 mph faster than current models.
- The new trains have 27% more seats compared to the older Acela models.
- Limitations on speed are due to the older rail infrastructure on the route.
- The launch comes after years of development and technical delays.
- Amtrak board chairman described the project as the biggest train investment in 25 years.
- The trains were built by Alstom in Hornell, New York.
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted continuing federal interest in high-speed rail.
