High-Speed Train Departure from New York City Scheduled for August
The highly anticipated NextGen Acela, America's fastest train, is set to launch on the Northeast Corridor beginning August 28th. Manufactured by global rail giant Alstom and assembled in Hornell, NY, these trains will offer a quick getaway or business trip to D.C. or Boston with top speeds of 160 mph.
With an estimated 15,000 U.S. jobs created during the project, the NextGen Acela embodies the future of 21st-century travel. The trains are based on Alstom's Avelia Liberty platform and are designed to redefine high-speed rail service in the U.S., providing a smarter, smoother, and more comfortable ride along the Northeast Corridor.
Key features of the NextGen Acela include improved speed and performance, redesigned interiors for enhanced comfort, power and efficiency, a lightweight and aerodynamic design, and a range of passenger amenities. The trains feature dual power cars providing 3,500 horsepower each, using an intelligent distributed traction system and regenerative braking to maximise energy efficiency.
Passengers can expect individual power outlets and USB charging ports at each seat, reading lights, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and touchless features for a modern travel experience. The trains also include eight wheelchair spaces, improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
The NextGen Acela offers an elevated experience with features and amenities that today's savvy travelers expect. This includes ergonomic seating, expansive windows, onboard food and drink service, and free 5G-enabled Wi-Fi. The trains are also designed for operational improvements, with a higher seating capacity enabling more frequent departures and better service on the busy Boston-to-Washington corridor.
The NextGen Acela opens up new travel possibilities out of Penn Station, offering 27% more seating capacity and expanded weekday and weekend service. The plan includes the debut of new Amtrak Airo trains, new Long Distance locomotives, and upgraded interiors in various car types.
Amtrak President Roger Harris has stated that the NextGen Acela is more than a new train; it's an evolution of travel and will launch a new standard for American train travel. New Yorkers can begin boarding one of the five new trains initially going into service as soon as this August, with 28 brand new trains expected to roll out by 2027.
While plans for a 311 MPH floating train connecting NYC and D.C. have been canceled, the NextGen Acela represents a significant step forward in sustainable transportation. As Amtrak's new one-seat train ride connects Long Island and New Jersey with mainland U.S., the NextGen Acela is poised to revolutionise travel on the Northeast Corridor and beyond.
More details on how to find and select Amtrak tickets for the NextGen Acela trains will be provided as the official launch nears. Booking for the NextGen Acela train can be done through the Amtrak app, website, or station kiosks.
[1] Amtrak. (2022). NextGen Acela. Retrieved from https://www.amtrak.com/nextgenacela [2] Alstom. (2022). Acela NextGen. Retrieved from https://www.alstom.com/en/products/rail-transport/passenger-transport/north-america/acela-nextgen [3] Federal Railroad Administration. (2022). NextGen Acela. Retrieved from https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0604 [4] U.S. Department of Transportation. (2022). NextGen Acela. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/nextgenacela
- The NextGen Acela, America's fastest train, offers a modern travel experience with amenities like individual power outlets, USB charging ports, and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a more comfortable journey for passengers.
- As the NextGen Acela launches on the Northeast Corridor, it is expected to create jobs within the transportation and finance industries, further boosting the country's economic growth.
- The debut of new Amtrak Airo trains, Long Distance locomotives, and upgraded interiors in various car types, combined with the NextGen Acela's efficient performance and improved accessibility, will elevate the overall travel experience within the U.S. rail industry.