Following the new high-speed Acela trains set to roll out by 2024, comes the announcement of a brand new fleet of Amtrak Airo trains currently being designed.
The Airo trains intend to improve the rider experience by targeting safety, comfort, sustainability and reliability. The trains are manufactured by Siemens in California and operate at 125 mph. New features include a Modern Café Car, spacious seating, enhanced lighting, touchless restroom controls, panoramic windows, and improved accessibility.
By removing engine changes, travelers will be able to cut down transportation times with reduced downtime at certain stations. Moreover, Amtrak Airo will produce 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations, making it a greener option than some older trains.
A portion of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding will help support the new fleet of Airo trains. Currently, the contract order is for 83 trainsets. Amtrak Airo is expected to officially roll out by 2026.
Beyond operating on the Northeast Regional, Airo trains will run along the Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Amtrak Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
“We are thrilled to satisfy the soaring demand for train travel with new state-of-the-art, American-made equipment that ensures the highest standards of comfort, service and amenities,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “As we advance this vision, we’re committed to getting people where they need to go, while reducing road and air congestion, creating jobs and supporting the American economy.”
While we await Amtrak Airo, be sure to take advantage of saver fares if you’re traveling between NYC and DC or Boston on Amtrak’s Acela or Northeast Regional by booking in advance.