NextGen Acela Fleet

The trains are being manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY.

Project Status

In Production

Amtrak is contracting with Alstom to produce 28 next-generation high-speed trains that will replace the current fleet of Amtrak's premium Acela service.

Building on Amtrak’s expertise as the only high-speed rail operator in the U.S. and Alstom’s record of delivering world class, proven, high-speed trainsets — Amtrak and Alstom have partnered to introduce the NextGen Acela.

The contract is part of a $2.45 billion investment in the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor (NEC) as part of a multifaceted modernization program to renew and expand Acela service. With 95% of the trainset components being made in America, our new trainsets have generated over 1,300 new jobs in over 90 cities across the United States.

With the introduction of the new fleet, Amtrak is reimagining the future of rail and setting the stage for the next generation of train travel in America and on the NEC. Elevating the travel experience, the NextGen Acela offers enhancements in comfort, technology, innovation and safety on Amtrak’s most environmentally sustainable fleet of trains to date. Designed with the customer in mind, it has nearly 25% more seats with plenty of legroom, personal outlets and USB ports, complimentary Wi-Fi, sophisticated onboard information systems and spacious restrooms with contactless features.

The NextGen Acela trainsets will operate at top speeds of 160 mph vs. today’s fleet, which operates at top speeds of 150 mph.

The NextGen Acela fleet is scheduled to enter service on the NEC in Spring 2025.

 

 

Show/Hide Transcript

[Music]

Caroline Decker: Welcome aboard! I'm Caroline Decker, Vice President of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor Service Line. I'm delighted to offer you a preview of the new state of the art, high-speed Acela Fleet. From reliable onboard Wi-Fi to enhanced digital experience, to contactless features and technology, the new Acela will transform the train travel experience on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. Amtrak is committed to delivering the exceptional Acela travel experience our customers expect and deserve. The new Acela trains feature contactless storage options for luggage, seating with individual access to personal outlets and USB ports, plus winged headrests to provide more comfort and separation between you and your neighbor. Our new trainsets have been efficiently designed to use 40% less energy per passenger and feature sustainable components including seating made out of recycled leather. For added comfort and safety, an advanced reservation system will also allow customers to reserve seats prior to departure. Customers will automatically be designated a seat at the time of payment, and have the option to change their seat using an interactive car and seat map on Amtrak App or Amtrak.com. Contactless amenities will include spacious restrooms, touch-free features, and automatic door access, and what would train travel be without taking a break to enjoy some delicious refreshments? The new Acela cafe cars will offer greater selection and convenient self-service options. And after you've refueled, we'll ask you to join us in recycling your waste products. As part of our commitment to sustainability, half of the trash receptacles on the new Acela train will be designated for recycling. We don't yet know what the next several months will bring, but Amtrak is rising to meet the new challenges we are all facing, and we are committed to providing a safe, comfortable and convenient travel experience. Whether you're traveling for work, a family vacation, or simply taking a day to get away, we hope you will choose Acela to meet your travel needs. Join us to experience the future of Amtrak travel. All about.

Text on screen: For more information, visit amtrak.com/FutureofRail

 

 

NextGen Acela Photos

 

Benefits

  • Increased capacity
  • Safety
  • Passenger service
  • Connectivity
  • Environmental impact

Partners

  • Amtrak
  • U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration
  • Alstom

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