A first look at Amtrak's spiffy new Acela trains
Though the rollout of Amtrak's next-generation high-speed Acela trains has suffered from lengthy delays, progress is finally being made.
The new trains were initially set to debut in the Northeast Corridor in early 2021, but have since been delayed until fall 2023 due to pandemic-induced challenges and the need for more testing. In addition to being 10 mph faster and more efficient than current cars, they'll feature a slew of improvements to the passenger experience, ranging from new seats to faster Wi-Fi, contactless restrooms and more convenient food service.
Up until now, we've only seen mock-ups and stock photos of the new trains. However, TPG was invited for a special first look at the actual train during a visit to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station — read on for our first impressions.
All-new seat design
Perhaps the most noticeable change with the new trains is the new seats. There are gray recycled leather seats in both business and first class. First-class seats are distinguished by red headrests, and business-class seats with blue headrests.
As is currently the case, first class is arranged in a spacious 1-2 configuration, while business class has a 2-2 configuration. There continues to be a mix of forward-facing seats, along with sets of single and paired seats that face each other with tables in between. In total, there will be seating for 378 passengers, up from 304 on the current model, as Amtrak added a car to the train set.
What's even more exciting is that the seat dimensions are practically identical to the old seats. Seats continue to be about 21 inches wide in business class and 23 inches wide in first class, and offer about 42 inches of pitch. That said, the legroom might seem slightly better due to the curvature of the seats. Fortunately, the padding didn't really get thinner, though the seats did feel a bit more firm.
Related: How the next-generation Acela trains are coming together in upstate New York
Passengers will have greater privacy thanks to winged headrests. Plus, all first-class passengers will get individual armrests.
However, sleeping on these trains may ultimately be less comfortable. Similar to Amtrak's new "Venture" fleet, the new seats don't actually recline. Instead, the bottom section simply slides forward a couple of inches. Presently, the seats offer a pretty deep recline so this will be a noticeable change. On the bright side, this means that your personal space won't be invaded when the person in front of you reclines. Also, as before, all seats have flip-down footrests.
Most seats have tray tables that fold down from the seatback in front, as well as fold-down cup holders. Meanwhile, the conference tables got individual flip-up extensions, making it easier to get in and out of the seats — on the current trains you'd have to extend the flaps for the entire length of the table.
Modern amenities
As expected, the new trains will feature much more modern amenities than the nearly 22-year-old trains currently in service. When you enter the train, you'll be greeted by crisp digital screens that display the train's speed, location and conductor announcements.
Then, there are smaller displays above each seat that are linked to Amtrak's advance seat reservation system and will make it clear which seats are open.
Related: Your ultimate guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards
Each seat offers an adjustable reading light built into the headrest.
Between seats are power outlets and USB-A ports, though those USB ports might become dated by the time these trains roll out in 2023, with the rise of USB-C. No more awkwardly reaching over your neighbor to plug your devices in! Amtrak also promises significantly faster and more reliable Wi-Fi.
The new cars also feature larger windows with pull-down shades, as opposed to dust-collecting curtains. Additionally, there are inward-facing cameras for enhanced safety.
A reimagined cafe
In addition to new seats, the next-generation Acela trains feature completely overhauled cafe cars. Most notably, the seating has been replaced by bar-like counters and there are now refrigerated boxes for grab-and-go items. Hot food and alcoholic beverages will continue to be available through the attendant.
As a part of these changes, Amtrak expects to be able to offer a larger food and beverage selection, including more fresh options. The full selection will be displayed on sleek digital menus.
Less contact
Perhaps Amtrak was ahead of its time, but the new interiors include many touchless features that have become even more important in the age of coronavirus. Think automatic doors and bathrooms with touchless sinks, soap dispensers and flushing. Amtrak is even considering adding a self-service checkout station to the cafe.
Airplane-style overhead bins with lids have been replaced by open luggage racks. Additional contactless storage is available at the ends of the cars.
Related: I had a free day in Denver and decided to take the ski train
More accessible
Accessibility is a major focus of the new trains.
For starters, Amtrak made it easier for passengers to find the correct car by distinguishing first class with red doors and business class with white doors. Boarding the trains is also easier thanks to retractable bridge plates. Similarly, level walkways make getting between cars seamless.
Aisles are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users and the headrests have handles on the sides to aid customers walking through the train. Meanwhile, the new displays help the visually impaired.
All cars will offer an accessible space for people with disabilities, including the cafe car. The bathrooms are also spacious and fully Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, with enough room for a 60-inch turning diameter. Additionally, bathrooms now offer changing tables.
Bottom line
Amtrak's Acela fleet is undergoing a major and, frankly, much needed revitalization.
The new interiors are bright, modern and airy. Although recline is basically nonexistent with the new seats, it's nice to see that Amtrak didn't reduce legroom or make seats tighter as it did on some other new trains. After all, recline is less important on these daytime, business-heavy trains.
In addition to offering nearly 25% more seats per train set, Amtrak is increasing capacity by growing its Acela fleet from 20 train sets to 28 so there will be more frequent service.
The only problem? You'll have to wait until at least the fall of 2023 for the chance to ride on this train.
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- 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.
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Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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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
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 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.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $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.
- 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.