U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia officially inaugurated the new NextGen Acela trains, built by Alstom, at Washington Union Station.
The ceremony was also attended by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steve Bradbury, Amtrak President Roger Harris, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom
On August 27, Amtrak welcomed guests onboard America’s high-speed trains – NextGen Acela – as service began earlier this morning at 5:00 a.m. ET in Washington, DC, and at 6:00 a.m. ET in Boston for travel on the Northeast Corridor. For the first time since Acela’s debut in December 2000, new premium high-speed trainsets are now operating on the Northeast Corridor.
“Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service. On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. The future of high-speed rail starts now,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris.
The new trains offer premium onboard features such as an elevated experience, with features and amenities that today’s savvy travelers expect, plus everything they need to be productive along the way including free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, as well as individual power outlets and reading lights.
An enhanced onboard dining experience, with a selection of high-quality, fresh, food and beverages is available in the new Cafe Acela, plus cart service in Business Class.
By 2027, 28 brand-new trains will enter service with 27% more seats per departure, and added service with expanded weekday and weekend schedules.
“With these new Acela trainsets, Amtrak will provide more reliable service and lower prices for the American people – all while increasing the organisation’s profitability,” said Sean P. Duffy.
The NextGen Acela trains are assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY by skilled Machinists Union workers, using components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states, while creating approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs.
“The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in America. The team at Alstom has brought nearly five decades of global experience in high-speed rail to the United States to deliver the fastest and most technologically advanced trains in the nation,” said CEO of Alstom Henri Poupart-Lafarge.
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