Amtrak began its journey more than 50 years ago, when its first train departed from New York on May 1, 1971. While the golden age of trains rapidly gave way to the rise of air travel, Amtrak has since remained a reliable force, continuing to link commuters and travelers across the United States.
More than five decades later, the country’s national rail service is bringing big changes to America’s railways, rolling out the next generation of trains, packed with modern features designed to make train travel faster, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly.
Ushering in this renaissance is a new train type called Amtrak Airo, set to debut in 2026 and mark what the company describes as “a new era of rail”. Designed and built in California, these trains will initially serve several major routes, including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service and the Vermonter.
Business Class seating aboard an Amtrak Airo train. (Photo Credit: Amtrak)
So, what makes Amtrak Airo different? For starters, the new trains will feature panoramic windows, allowing passengers to enjoy broader and more sweeping views of the landscape. Seating in Coach class is getting a serious upgrade, with more legroom, larger tray tables, adjustable headrests, cup holders, tablet holders, enhanced lighting, individual outlets and USB charging ports.
Other amenity enhancements will include onboard Wi-Fi, touchless restroom controls and improved technology with digital customer information systems. Café cars are getting a modern overhaul as well, introducing self-service options for added convenience.
Beyond passenger comfort, Amtrak Airo promises a greener, more efficient ride. The trains will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 125 mph, reducing overall travel time across several key routes. In addition, the new engines will be significantly more fuel-efficient, cutting particulate emissions by 90 percent when operating on diesel power.
Coach Class vestibule aboard and Amtrak Airo train. (Photo Credit: Amtrak)
Accessibility is another area where Amtrak is making strides. Passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices will find improved accommodations throughout the train, including accessible restrooms, vestibules and café cars. Specially designed lifts will also be available to assist passengers who need them.
Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a video posted to the rail operator’s website, “Sustainable transportation, a modern design and world-class amenities. Amtrak Airo will transform the travel experience. This is the future of Amtrak.”
According to Travel + Leisure, while the first Amtrak Airo trains will begin service next year on select routes, they will also eventually be introduced across a variety of main lines, including Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Amtrak Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Amtrak Downeaster, Amtrak Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven-Springfield-Greenfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
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