Lets face it, high speed rail in America is lagging behind its European and Asian counterparts. Where the United States does offer comparable high speed rail is on the Northeast Corridor aboard the Acela Express. Even then the current trainsets are beginning to show their age and and are reaching the end of their service life. Thankfully the aging Acela’s will soon be a a thing of the past. Beginning August 28th, passengers will be traveling on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela Avelia Liberty trainsets.
Modernizing America’s High Speed Rail
The NextGen Acela fleet contact was awarded to rail manufacturer Alstom out of Hornell New York. Compared to the outgoing trains, the new Acela’s will offer 27% more seats per trainset. Trains will be capable of reaching speeds of 150mph but will still be limited to slower speeds a majority of the Northeast Corridor due to the aging infrastructure. Inside, trains will offer free 5G Wi-Fi USB Ports and power outlets. As with the outgoing Acela, Cafe Acela will offer food and beverages for purchase. “NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.” Initially a few NextGen Acela trainsets will be operating however come 2027 there will be 28 NextGen Acela’s operating throughout the Northeast Corridor.