Amtrak will debut its NextGen Acela fleet at the end of the month, bringing faster speeds and modern amenities to Northeast Corridor travelers, reported the Washington Post.
The rail service plans to introduce five upgraded train sets immediately between Boston and Washington, D.C., with 23 additional units joining the fleet within two years.
These French-designed trains raise maximum velocity to 160 miles per hour and incorporate technology that allows for smoother curve navigation.
Passengers will enjoy several improvements when they board the updated cars: Each seat now includes individual USB charging ports, better wireless internet connectivity, and expanded viewing windows. The seating itself features ergonomic upgrades for longer trips.
Travel times between cities will decrease, with Washington to New York journeys dropping by approximately 20 minutes, though the Post reported that may not be realized until 2040, likely due to required route logistics with other traffic. The trains also accommodate 25% more passengers while consuming less power than previous models.
Faster trip times mean professionals can maximize productive hours rather than sitting in highway traffic. Train travel eliminates parking fees and fuel expenses that add up during regular commutes between cities.
Electric trains produce no dirty air pollution, improving air quality near train stations and residential areas. Reduced highway congestion means fewer idle vehicles release exhaust fumes into neighborhoods.
Each NextGen train that enters service may remove hundreds of cars from Interstate 95 daily. This shift reduces wear on highway infrastructure, which saves taxpayers maintenance costs and decreases accident risks on congested roads.
The quieter operation of modern trains benefits residents near rail lines. Advanced engineering minimizes vibration and noise to create more peaceful environments for homes and businesses adjacent to tracks.
Making these trains at Alstom's New York facility created jobs and advanced domestic rail technology capabilities. The $2.5 billion investment includes long-term maintenance agreements, which supports employment for years ahead.
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Roger Harris, Amtrak's president, described the "evolution" as "a new standard for American train travel," according to the Washington Post.
Laura Mason, who oversees large construction initiatives for Amtrak, added that the trains provide "a fundamentally better experience than anything Americans have been able to travel on to date in this country."
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