Amtrak debuted its new faster Acela trains Thursday, running along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington.
It was the first time since 2000 that Amtrak deployed new high-speed trains in the corridor. The next-generation Acelas run at 160 mph as opposed to the 150 mph of older model Acela trains, Amtrak said.
“With these new Acela trainsets, Amtrak will provide more reliable service and lower prices for the American people – all while increasing the organization’s profitability,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said.
In addition to higher speeds, the new trains also offer free 5G WiFi, upgraded food options, individual power outlets and reading lights, more legroom and winged headrests for more privacy.
Amtrak launched five new trains and plans to launch a total of 28 new Acela trains by 2027. Currently, customers looking to travel on one of the new trains can look for their tag on the Amtrak website and app, and can also look for specific train numbers.
Amtrak said that the next-generation trains 2153, 2154, 2170 and 2173 run on weekdays. Trains 2250 and 2251 run on Saturdays and trains 2248, 2258, 2259 and 2271 run on Sundays, but train numbers are subject to change.
