Passengers can identify the new Acela trains by their updated livery featuring modernized branding. For those booking tickets on Amtrak’s website or mobile app, services operated by the next-generation Acela display a “NextGen” label under premium booking options.
At launch, weekday services include trains 2153, 2154, 2170 and 2173; Saturday services are trains 2250 and 2251; Sunday services include trains 2248, 2258, 2259 and 2271.
The first-class car is located at the front of each trainset with seating arranged in a single (port side) and double (starboard side) configuration. Unlike previous models that had multiple sets of single seats sharing tables, the new design offers just one set per side—reducing opportunities for group seating but increasing privacy for solo travelers. Modern features include orange seat headrests and high-definition screens displaying journey information.
Each seat comes equipped with an adjustable legrest and tray table that can extend for better ergonomics. Overhead luggage compartments have been replaced by exposed storage areas at both ends of each car.
Lavatories feature automatic half-circle doors operated by push buttons and touchless controls inside—a change aimed at improving hygiene standards onboard.
Business-class cars make up most of the remaining trainset cars with seats in a standard two-by-two layout. Each business class seat offers access to two AC power outlets and two USB-A ports (USB-C is not available), along with built-in reading lights in every headrest. Assigned seating remains standard practice; digital placards above seats may soon display reservation details electronically.
Seat pitch in business class measures three inches less than first class at thirty-nine inches; seats do not recline but slide forward instead when adjusted—an aspect that could affect comfort levels for some passengers seated at tables.
Amtrak has upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity on these trains using nearby 5G cellular towers, resulting in significantly improved download speeds where reception allows. However, sections along the route still experience poor coverage due to gaps in cellular infrastructure—a limitation that persists until further upgrades or satellite internet solutions are implemented.
The cafe car—dubbed “Cafe Acela”—now includes grab-and-go fridges stocked with snacks and drinks alongside traditional counter service for hot items. Payment is handled via built-in tablets intended to reduce wait times during busy periods. Business class passengers also benefit from cart service while first class receives meals served by dedicated attendants.
Bar-style standing areas without stools are available toward the rear of Cafe Acela for brief stops or phone calls rather than extended use.
Despite enhancements like LED lighting schemes and faster internet access designed to modernize rail travel between major cities in the Northeast Corridor, infrastructure limitations prevent sustained operation at maximum advertised speeds except over short stretches. Broader track improvements remain part of separate ongoing projects involving Amtrak and regional authorities (Northeast Corridor information).
Amtrak officials expect that deploying these new trainsets will help reduce equipment-related cancellations affecting current operations while providing an upgraded passenger experience throughout one of America’s busiest rail corridors.
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