Amtrak recently announced that its NextGen Acela high-speed trains, which connect the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston, will be ready for passenger travel starting on Aug. 28.
“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.”
The launch will include 28 brand-new trains entering service through 2027; 27 percent more seats per departure; and expanded weekday and weekend schedules, according to Amtrak.
The NextGen Acela fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, N.Y., by skilled machinists union workers using components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states. Approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs were created, Amtrak said.
To book a seat, Amtrak said it offers a simple and flexible approach to booking, seat selection, itinerary management, and even changes in the event of disruptions through the Amtrak mobile app, Amtrak website, and at station kiosks.
As the official launch date approaches, customers should look for more information from Amtrak about how to locate and select the NextGen Acela train options, the company said.
In the coming months, Amtrak will be operating both the current Acela equipment and the NextGen Acela trains as the new trains transition into the fleet.
Additionally, the new NextGen Acela offers an elevated experience with free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, as well as individual power outlets and reading lights.
Amtrak also said that five new trainsets will be in service initially, with more trains joining the fleet through 2027, and the company plans to introduce all 28 new NextGen Acela trains by 2027 to broaden travel opportunities throughout the Northeast Corridor.