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Amtrak's new Acela speeds toward service

May 22, 2020
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2 min read
Amtrak Acela Interiors 2019
Amtrak's new Acela speeds toward service
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Amtrak's new Acela trainsets are still on schedule to enter into service next year.

The rolling stock has been undergoing testing in Pueblo, Colorado since February, and recently hit a higher speed benchmark.

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According to Amtrak, the first new Acela reached a speed of 165 miles per hour as part of a test — though the train's top service speed will be limited to 160 miles per hour.


Even so, that's 10 miles per hour faster than the top speed of the existing, first-generation Acela trains.

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The new Acelas remain on track despite the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected Amtrak service nationally. The higher-speed service itself was suspended for a time this spring, though Amtrak recently brought it back on a reduced schedule.

Acela's second generation has been in development since 2016, and will feature an improved onboard experience as well as extra passenger capacity when it joins the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington next year.

Related: TPG's race from New York City to Washington

Planned updates include touchless restrooms — sure to be a welcome advancement post-pandemic — and a new reservation system that will allow passengers to select a seat in advance. Even though the Acela is Amtrak's premier train, seating is still handled on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone who doesn't have a first-class ticket.

Amtrak's Acela service has long been popular in the Northeast, but the trains, some of which have been in service nearly 20 years, are starting to show their age. The next generation is sure to be a welcome upgrade for passengers.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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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  • $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.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.