Amtrak’s high-speed NextGen Acela trains make their first runs along the Northeast Corridor on August 28 and will be serving two stations in Connecticut. Amtrak plans to have 28 of the new trains that represent a step up from current Acela service in operation by 2027. The service begins with five trains in service. The NextGen Acela trains will stop at Stamford and New Haven while providing service between Washington and Boston.
The new trains will have 27% more seats per train and have a top speed of 160 miles per hour. Amtrak says the trains will operate on expanded weekday and weekend schedules and will bring a new standard to American train travel.
Amtrak says that amenities include free high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, individual USB ports, power outlets and reading lights, enhanced on-board dining featuring the dishes of James Beard award-winning restaurateur, Stephen Starr. The trains feature at-seat meal services as well as a new Cafe Ace.
The NextGen Acela fleet is assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York. Amtrak says components come from more than 180 suppliers across 29 states and that approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs are related to building the new trains.
Alston says that its manufacturing facility in Hornell has been manufacturing and repairing trains since the 1880s and is the largest passenger rail manufacturing site in the U.S. that produces rail vehicles and components.
