Amtrak unveils new train cars with plenty for customers to love
Amtrak is ushering in a new era of modern train travel.
The rail company just shared highlights of its new, state-of-the-art trains, dubbed Amtrak Airo, set to roll out on the Northeast Corridor from North Carolina to New York in 2026.
Passengers can expect "a new era of modern train travel," said Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams of the sleek new trains that will offer what Amtrak is calling "an elevated experience."
Speaking at a press conference at New York City's Moynihan Train Hall, Amtrak President Roger Harris said these modern new rail cars combine "sustainable transportation, world-class design and modern amenities" that are a "move toward progress and change for Amtrak" that includes the reimagined post office building that houses Moynihan Train Hall, where Amtrak trains in New York City depart and arrive.
The first images of the regional trains show shiny new cars with ergonomically designed dove gray seats with dark blue adjustable headrests and plenty of legroom and workspace. The clean, bright contemporary design also offers both cup and tablet holders at every seat. One new detail especially worth highlighting: Panoramic windows allow passengers to "enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country," explained Harris.
Another notable addition is redesigned cafe cars, where passengers will have more self-service options as well as "contemporary" food offerings.
Janet Ho, the assistant commissioner for New York's Department of Transportation, said the state was especially excited about the introduction of Amtrak Airo, saying it will "help revitalize the passenger experience both in New York and across the nation with greater ADA accessibility as well as enhanced at seat amenities."
Related: All aboard: Amtrak credit card applications are back for the first time in 10 months
And in line with New York City's environmental programs, the hybrid-engine trains will have zero emissions while going through tunnels in New York, she added.
The new hybrid engines won't be as fast as the new Acela trains rolling out in 2023 that will reach speeds of 160 miles an hour. However, these advanced technology trains will save time on longer journeys since they'll be able to traverse the entire corridor without having to switch engines — currently necessary to hop from commonly used electric engines to the diesel required in more rural areas.
The new eco-friendly hybrid engines will make this transition seamless and shave about 25 minutes off the time usually required to change engines.
Related: Amtrak begins $28 million upgrade on sleeper cars and coaches
Routes for the new regional trains include the Adirondack, Carolinian, Cascades, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter and Virginia services.
California-based Siemens Mobility will manufacture the new fleet of 83 multipowered modern trains. Harris says that the first car should be completed by 2025 in time to roll out in 2026, with the entire fleet projected to be fully online by 2031.
For more TPG guides and news about Amtrak, check out:
- TPG's complete guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards
- 3 easy ways to save money on Amtrak tickets
- Amtrak is attracting new travelers; sees shift from business to leisure travelers
- 9 mistakes travelers make on their first train trips
- Amtrak launches new NYC-Burlington, Vermont, service
Additional reporting by Meghna Maharishi.
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees