Amtrak Provides Details of Next Generation Acela Express Trains

An Amtrak Acela train

Amtrak unveiled the interiors of its new Acela Express fleet on Wednesday.

The new interiors will feature leather seating, integrated in-seat lighting and electrical outlets as well as USB ports.  Each seat will have a tray table with both a large and small table option.

The trains will be capable of traveling at 160 mph (258 km/h) and will have 30% greater capacity for passengers.

The upgrade is being made possible with the approval of a $2.45 billion loan from the federal government to Amtrak for the purchase of the state-of-the-art trains.

Aisle seats will have integrated grab handles and each car will have six LED displays that provide a variety of information including current location, train speed, and the text of any conductor announcements.

Amtrak said it plans to add faster Wi-Fi, an improved overhead luggage system, and ADA-compliant restrooms to the trains as well.

The new trains are slated to enter service on current Acela routes in 2021. Once the fleet of new trains has been fully put into service, Amtrak will operate trains between Washington and New York every half hour and every hour between New York and Boston. The move promises to increase passenger capacity by about 40%, the railroad said in a statement in 2016.

In May, Amtrak announced plans to update the interiors of the current Acela Express fleet with new upholstery and carpeting. That work is expected to be finished by July 2019.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)