New Amtrak Acela trains debut between Boston, D.C. Will be faster, more reliable Transportation Secretary says.
New Amtrak Acela trains launched along the Northeast Corridor Thursday. They will improve the passenger experience and reduce costs, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
"With these new Acela trainsets, Amtrak will provide more reliable service and lower prices for the American people - all while increasing the organization's profitability," Duffy said about the upgraded high-speed service.
Acela trains shuttle Northeast travelers between Boston and Washington D.C., also serving Baltimore, Wilmington, Delaware; Philadelphia; New York City; New Haven, Connecticut and Providence, Rhode Island.
"The start of a new Amtrak"
The NextGen trains can reach top speeds of 160 mph - 10 mph faster than the current Acela fleet. They also feature a special "tilt system" to help the trains navigate curves at high speeds.
Passenger amenities will include charging plugs at every seat, free high-speed Wifi, reading lights, more comfortable seating and bigger bathrooms.
"These trains are beautiful, they are fast, they are state of the art and they are American-made," said Amtrak President Roger Harris.
Five of the new trains launched on Thursday. Amtrak said 28 will be in service by 2027. The NextGen Acela arrived in Boston on Wednesday night. It left for Washington, D.C. with passengers Thursday morning.
Amtrak says the price of a ticket will mirror that of their old Acela fleet and will be set based on demand, similar to booking a flight.
"I was actually just in Europe and the trains there are so nice," Amtrak passenger Annabelle Zebrowski said at South Station in Boston. "I am hoping it's the same caliber as what's over there. I am excited for it. It is much needed for sure."
"A better experience for the traveling public"
"I've had the opportunity, like many of you, multiple times to ride the old Acela," Duffy said Wednesday. "I think we all agree it was showing its age." He added the new trains, "are going to be faster...better pricing; it's going to mean better revenue. But most importantly, a better experience for the traveling public."
The new trains will allow for 27% more seats per departure, Amtrak announced earlier this month, adding the NextGen trains will also allow for more service, both on weekdays and weekends.
Trump administration taking over Union Station
Also on Wednesday, Duffy announced plans for the Trump administration to reclaim management of Washington D.C.'s Union Station, saying it has fallen into disrepair. They want to reinvest in the station to replace the roof and make improvements to elevators, lighting, security and other infrastructure.
At a later stop at Penn Station in New York City, Duffy announced details and a timeline for redevelopment of that transportation hub. He said the DOT will provide Amtrak with nearly $43 million in grant funding to jumpstart the plan to redevelop Penn Station and begin construction by the end of 2025.