Thursday, Amtrak unveiled information about its new Airo trains, which will begin operating nationwide in 2026.
Amtrak Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, and Adirondack are among the routes.
The Washington Post reports that the trains will replace the carrier’s 50-year-old rolling stock.
Roger Harris, the president of Amtrak, said in a statement, “As we invest in the future, Amtrak is pioneering a new era of rail.” Our new trains will revolutionize the Amtrak experience by providing major environmental benefits, an innovative design, and world-class amenities.
According to the corporation, the “future” of Amtrak will include panoramic windows, speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, self-service food options, color-coded wayfinding, greater comfort with spacious seating, improved lighting, enhanced technology, and a reduced environmental impact.
The new trains are more fuel-efficient and emit 90 percent fewer particulate pollutants during diesel operation.
Amtrak has stated that the new trains are part of a “larger transformation” that will “revolutionize” the passenger experience. This transformation includes new Acela trains, major infrastructure projects, service expansion, station upgrades, modernization efforts, and increased track capacity along the Northeast Corridor.
A portion of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) cash will be used to acquire Siemens-made Airo trains.
“Americans deserve contemporary, safe, and dependable passenger rail service, and the introduction of brand new rail cars is a big step toward improving the daily experience of commuters and travelers who rely on Amtrak,” said Amit Bose, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
With President Biden’s historic investments in Amtrak, we’re prepared to make intercity passenger rail an even more efficient, comfortable, and accessible method of transportation for Americans, he continued.
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