Amtrak Offers a Glimpse Inside the New High-Speed Acela Trains

In Northern Europe, the idea of flygskam—or 'flight shame' in Swedish—gained traction in 2019, as more individuals chose trains over planes for sustainability. In the U.S., however, travelers aiming to lower their carbon footprint face limited options and an aging Amtrak infrastructure.

That’s set to change next year for those living along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. The upcoming Acela Express Fleet, currently undergoing testing and anticipated to launch in 2023, is designed to cut energy consumption by 40 percent per passenger, according to Amtrak. These improvements are attributed to a new lightweight design, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Though the next-generation high-speed Acela trains were initially scheduled to debut in 2021, they are still being produced at the Alstom factory in Hornell, New York. Despite the delays, Amtrak has recently offered a sneak preview of the new interiors.

Acela first-class seats not only provide more space and legroom but also feature personal tray tables that can be used independently from neighboring passengers.

Acela first-class seats not only offer increased space and legroom but also feature personal tray tables for independent use.

Courtesy of Amtrak

The new Acela trains will have business-class seats equipped with personal outlets and USB ports, along with adjustable reading lights at each seat.

Business-class seats on the new Acela trains will feature personal outlets and USB ports, in addition to an adjustable reading light for every passenger.

Courtesy of Amtrak

The trains will showcase recycled leather seats—blue in business class and red in first class—alongside a new sustainable food and beverage program. Although specifics on eco-friendly options are limited, Amtrak has announced an increase in craft beer selections.

The updated café cars will offer a self-service check-out feature, a standing area with hip rests, and electrical outlets for charging devices.

The new café cars will feature a self-service check-out option, a standing area with hip rests, and charging outlets.

Courtesy of Amtrak

Alongside these eco-friendly efforts, the new Acela fleet will introduce several enhancements to make train travel more enjoyable. Passengers can expect faster Wi-Fi, USB ports, and reading lights at each seat, along with increased legroom, larger bathrooms, and more storage space for luggage.

The upcoming trains will reach speeds of up to 160 mph, a boost from the current fleet's 150 mph. They will also accommodate 386 passengers, marking a 27 percent increase from the existing capacity of 304, allowing more travelers to benefit from train travel once they are operational.

The Northeast Corridor remains Amtrak’s sole high-speed route in the U.S., though several private rail companies are planning to introduce fast trains in states like Texas, Florida, and between Las Vegas and Southern California.

This article was first published online in June 2019 and has since been updated in September 2019, October 2020, and again on April 4, 2022, to reflect current information.

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