While everyone in the city is buzzing about Amtrak’s lightning-fast new East Coast commutes, the real story lies a few hours away.
It turns out that the very first high-speed trains built in America weren’t shipped in from overseas. They weren’t constructed in a massive coastal metropolis, either.
Instead, they were assembled from the ground up in Hornell, New York.
The Little Town
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Southern Tier near Letchworth State Park, Hornell is a picturesque city of just 8,000 people.
It boasts a deep, historic railroad legacy. Over the last five years, however, it has quietly become the beating heart of the Northeast Corridor.
Thanks to a massive $87 million factory modernization, the local Alstom facility was completely revitalized.
Its historic task? Building the future of American transit.
A Massive “Made In America” Effort
Instead of outsourcing the labor, Amtrak trusted the skilled Machinists Union workers of Hornell.
They were tasked to piece together 28 sleek new Avelia Liberty trainsets.
It was a monumental community effort. The local team spent years bringing these massive machines to life.
They utilized components from over 180 suppliers across 29 different states.
Ultimately, this upstate manufacturing boom helped create approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs. It perfectly honored the town’s deep railroad roots.
Changing How We Travel
The hard-working men and women of Hornell didn’t just build any train. They delivered the most advanced fleet in Amtrak’s history.
While the town itself is a peaceful escape, the NextGen Acela trains they produced are capable of hitting 160 mph.
Those high speeds are combined with epic new perks. Passengers can expect high-speed 5G Wi-Fi and 27% more seating.
These trains are officially revolutionizing the route between Boston and Washington, D.C.
The next time you speed out of Moynihan Train Hall, take a second to appreciate the ride.
It is the ultimate “Made in New York” success story, all thanks to the dedicated locals who made high-speed rail a reality!
