Amtrak's long-awaited high-speed Acela trains are scheduled to begin service in the spring of 2025, following over a decade of planning and years of testing. The rail operator confirmed this week that the new trains will enter revenue service next year.
The introduction of these new trains is expected to enhance comfort and increase capacity on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, which runs between Washington, D.C., and Boston via New York City. "The new trains will upgrade the travel experience for millions of passengers and set the stage for the next generation of train travel in America and on the Northeast Corridor," Amtrak stated.
However, this timeline marks a delay from previous announcements. The Acela trains are more than three years behind schedule due to various challenges, including disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A federal watchdog report last year identified defects in several train sets that could have further postponed their debut.