Am
The Last year, a federal watchdog’s report flagged defects on a slew of new Acela train sets, warning the problems threatened to further delay their arrival into service.
This time last year, Amtrak had told me it hoped passengers might board the new trains by the end of 2024.
Final stretch
However, the wait for passengers does seem to be nearing its end.
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In an update last week, Amtrak said it recently wrapped up more than 900 test runs of the new Acela trains with Alstom (the train sets’ manufacturer) and planned to soon submit data to the Federal Railroad Administration — a key final step.
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Amtrak’s multibillion-dollar next-generation Acela program will replace its aging Acela fleet with 28 brand-new train sets with personal outlets, USB ports, contactless restrooms and a much-improved cafe car.
Infrastructure improvements along the Northeast Corridor should also, eventually, allow the trains to hit top speeds of up to 160 mph.
Related: Amtrak Guest Rewards: How to earn and redeem points with train travel
All aboard
Amtrak’s new Acela locomotive. Am That included a 9% increase in Acela passengers over the prior year — and an 18% jump in ridership in the Northeast region, more broadly.
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