Amtrak is currently in the process of a decades long major fleet overhaul. Starting in 2023 Amtrak will launch new Acela trainsets along the northeast corridor. Other Amtrak routes utilize train cars that are over 40 + years old. That will soon be changing with Amtrak’s unveiling of the Airo train car. The new trains will debut on the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Hartford Line, Vermonter, Maple leaf, Keystone, Pennsylvanian, Carolinian, Palmetto, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack beginning in 2026. Siemens will be manufacturing the trains in California.
New technology
The Airo Trains will have the ability to run on hybrid prupulsion meaning it can operate on battery, overhead electricity or diesel. This will reduce the time on routes that involve a locomotive change such as the Vermonter. Currently on the Vermonter, there is a locomotive switch in New Haven where the diesel locomotive is swapped out for an electric. The new Airo Trains will eliminate both time and resources by switching propulsion power on the fly.
A Redesigned Interior
Current Amtrak train cars are beginning to show their age. The Amfleet and Horizon train cars have had a minor refresh in 2016, but their decades old age is beginning to show. The New Airo trains will feature touchless restrooms, USB ports, Wi-Fi and ergonomic seats. The café car will be completely redesigned offering expanded food options as well.
Many of the routes that the new Airo trains will serve are the backbone of the Amtrak network. The new trains will provide an enhanced experience for the traveler while also reducing the carbon footprint of train travel. The future of Amtrak will be pulling into a station near you in the near future.