Amtrak awarded Alstom a contract in August 2016 to supply 28 trains to replace the existing fleet of 20 Acela Express sets.
Each train will seat 378 passengers, a 25% increase compared with the current fleet and Amtrak says the new trains will offer “the spacious, high-end comfort our customers expect.”
The trains will feature adjustable in-seat lighting, power sockets, USB ports, high-speed passenger Wi-Fi, an advanced seat reservation system, and accessible toilets, which will be compliant with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
First class accommodation will feature larger seats with more legroom. Each seatback will be equipped with dual tray tables, providing a choice between small and large tables.
The Café Car will feature a “European-style” nest area with standing room and hip rests.
Assembly of the first vehicles is underway at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York, with the first prototype train due for delivery before the end of the year.
The entire fleet is due to enter service by the end of 2022, enabling the withdrawal of the current Acela Express trains.
