In the U.S., Amtrak is practically synonymous with long-distance trains, the way Kleenex is with tissues and Tupperware with food storage containers. There’s good reason for Amtrak’s popularity: Not only is it the country’s sole high-speed rail operator, but it deploys over 300 trains every day in 46 states.
But now it’s expanding its services even further — and enhancing rider experience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generating jobs in the process. The company is debuting NextGen Acela in the spring of 2025: a fleet of 28 next-generation high-speed electric trains coming to the Northeast Corridor tracks, the busiest in the nation.
“Amtrak is taking the necessary actions to keep our customers, the Northeast region, and the American economy moving forward,” President and CEO Joe Boardman said in a 2016 news release announcing the investment in the fleet. “These trainsets and the modernization and improvement of infrastructure will provide our customers with the mobility and experience of the future.”
Amtrak
The much-anticipated new arrivals are set to replace Amtrak’s current Acela fleet and had an initial launch date of 2021. But the $2.45 billion project is finally coming to fruition after being derailed (figuratively) multiple times, and it promises to be worth the wait. “This investment will pay immediate dividends for businesses and travelers from Washington D.C., to Boston, and the fact that these new trains will be built in upstate New York makes this project a win-win. … I can’t wait for my first ride,” said Sen. Charles Schumer.
Commuters will benefit from shorter trips, as the new trains can max out at 160 mph instead of the current 150, and a more comfortable experience, thanks to ample leg room and winged headrests for privacy. Riders will have access to personal outlets and USB ports for charging, as well as free Wi-Fi. And last-minute travelers may be more likely to find a seat, as the total capacity will increase by almost 70%.
Plus, the novel fleet is helping the planet as much as it is the individual rider. The new seats are made out of recycled leather, and the cars will offer a sustainable food and beverage program. Most importantly, the trains will cut energy consumption by at least 20%.
Per Amtrak, the project has led to a wealth of employment opportunities. Ninety-five percent of the trains’ parts are made in the U.S., creating over 1,300 new jobs in more than 90 cities. This is due in part to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021. The bill allotted Amtrak $22 billion over five years, some of which went toward modernizing the electric fleet.
By enhancing the 594,000 train trips made in the Northeast Corridor each week, the trainsets will provide increased support for a workforce that contributes an annual $50 billion to the national gross domestic product, in turn potentially boosting the economy as a whole. “Strengthening our nation’s infrastructure is essential to the economic growth of our region and the nation and this investment by Amtrak will help ensure the reliable service travelers expect,” said Sen. Cory Booker.
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