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Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains set for spring debut after delays

Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains set for spring debut after delays
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Ryan Wilcox Former Credit Card Writer | The Points Guy

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.

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Despite these setbacks, Amtrak appears to be nearing completion of preparations for the launch. Last week, Amtrak announced it had completed over 900 test runs with Alstom, the manufacturer of the train sets, and plans to submit data to the Federal Railroad Administration soon—a crucial final step before entering service.

The multibillion-dollar next-generation Acela program aims to replace Amtrak's aging fleet with 28 new train sets featuring personal outlets, USB ports, contactless restrooms, and an improved cafe car. Infrastructure improvements along the Northeast Corridor are also expected to eventually allow these trains to reach speeds up to 160 mph.

This development coincides with Amtrak's announcement of a record-setting ridership and revenue year for fiscal year 2024. This period saw a 9% increase in Acela passengers compared to the previous year and an 18% rise in overall ridership in the Northeast region.

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