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Amtrak will officially begin testing its high-speed Acela train
Liz Hund
Contributor
As a writer here at TPG, Liz covers everything from the daily news and deals to deeper guides and special projects. She also works closely with the social team, so you’ll probably catch her (or her photos) on @thepointsguy's Instagram. Liz has had a passion for travel her entire life — she’s visited 40 out of 50 states, took her first solo Europe trip at 17 and is always on the lookout for her next adventure.
Feb. 19, 2020
•
3 min read
Amtrak will officially begin testing its high-speed Acela train
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Editor's Note
This post has been updated with new information regarding official Amtrak testing. It was originally published on Nov. 14, 2019.
New state-of-the-art Acela train cars are one step closer to hitting the rails in 2021.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, Amtrak announced it would begin testing its high-speed Acela trains.
The trains left the Alstom manufacturing facility in Hornell, New York on Feb. 17 and are making their way to the Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colorado, where they will undergo nine months of rigorous testing.
Amtrak released stunning photos of the trainset heading west on Twitter, including a map of the journey. Train enthusiasts can watch for the prototype as it travels along the route used by the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited and Southwest Chief trains. It will pass through Chicago, before ultimately arriving in Colorado on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Once all of the trials are complete, the trains will make their way back to New York, where the interiors will be installed.
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Last year, Amtrak released images of the first prototype being constructed at Alstom. Here's a look at what the futuristic train cars will look like, without the interiors:
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Photo courtesy of Amtrak
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This train has been in the works for quite some time: Official plans were announced almost four years ago, in August 2016. The U.S. train system has consistently lagged behind Europe and Asia's high-speed fleets.
That's why Amtrak brought in Alstom, the French company responsible for the high-speed TGV trains that crisscross France.
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Amtrak's upgraded Acela Express will be able to reach speeds up to 160 miles per hour, or 10 miles per hour faster than current cars. They will also use 20% less energy. Engineers hope the cars will eventually reach up to 186 miles per hour, but that will require major infrastructure improvements.
Related: Amtrak plans to expand new nonstop Acela service from New York
In addition to faster and more efficient service, the new trains will be able to accommodate more passengers — 378 passengers to be exact, which is up from 304. The trains will also feature a significantly improved hard product, including upgraded amenities. Be sure to check out TPG's review of the enhanced interiors.
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Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.