Amtrak's Planning a Big Upgrade for Acela Express

Aug. 29, 2016

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2 min read

Amtrak's Planning a Big Upgrade for Acela Express

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Since 2000, Amtrak's Acela Express service has carried millions of passengers between Washington, D.C. and Boston. The current trains have a top speed of 150mph, but they rarely achieve that speed due to limitations with the rails the trains ride on. Thanks to $2.45 billion in government funds, though, the Acela Express service will be getting a huge upgrade come 2021.

The highlight of these upgrades will be the all-new train sets to be manufactured in New York state by French firm Alstom. The new trains will be capable of hitting a maximum speed of 186mph — close to Japan's Shinkansen trains that travel at a maximum speed of about 200mph. In addition to higher speeds, the new trains will carry one-third more passengers, feature more power outlets and USB ports, have superior Wi-Fi connectivity and will be more efficient.