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Amtrak’s new trains, Amtrak Airo, will roll out in 2026, providing a better customer experience while being greener and faster, the company said.
The trains will feature modern, spacious interiors, panoramic windows, upgraded cafe cars, better signage, and more amenities while being more fuel efficient and producing 90 percent fewer particulate emissions, and travel at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, the company said. The $7.3 billion upgrade comes in response to customer demand and part of other improvements to the service designed to “revolutionize the Amtrak experience,” the company said.
“As we invest in the future, Amtrak is leading the way with a new era of rail,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Our new trains will transform the Amtrak experience with significant environmental benefits, a progressive design, and world-class amenities.”
The Amtrak Airo trains will be available starting in 2026. They will operate on routes across the country, including Amtrak Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Services, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvania, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
“Americans deserve modern, safe, reliable passenger rail service, and introducing brand new rail cars is a major step towards improving the daily experience of commuters and travelers who depend on Amtrak,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “This year, FRA provided nearly $4.3 billion in annual funding to support these improvements, and with President Biden’s historic investments in Amtrak, we’re poised to make intercity passenger rail an even more efficient, convenient, and accessible mode of travel for Americans.”
Funding for the new trains, built by Siemens, will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, said U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“To meet the demands of travelers and address the threat of climate change, we need trains that are accessible, reliable, and environmentally friendly,” DeFazio said. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $7.3 billion investment in Amtrak Airo equipment will reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector while improving the passenger experience. Amtrak Airo will produce less air pollution than current models and will provide an enhanced level of comfort that will attract riders.”