📝 usncan Note: Amtrak Unveils New Acela Trains With Speed Boost And Modern Features
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The new Acela set to debut on the Northeast Corridor on August 28.
Amtrak
Amtrak executives have promised for years the introduction of a new, upgraded, faster Acela on the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York and Washington D.C. Finally on August 28, after the company successfully resolved operation and safety issues, passengers will get a look at the new NextGen trains when five of the planned 28 take to the tracks. The remaining trains will filter in over the next two years.
The new Acela heads over the Susquehanna River on its first trip to Washington DC.
Amtrak
The Train Scheduling and Travel Time
Which times during the day will the new trains run? Company executives aren’t saying as yet, just promising that more details will be released closer to the debut and that travelers will be able to tell the new from the existing service when they book. Also still upcoming is how much time the new trains will shave off the travel time—currently approximately three hours between Washington and New York. It will be somewhat reduced, though, since the new trains will run at 160 mph, ten miles faster than the current service. (Sorry to those who were expecting the 200 mph of the Shinkansen, Japan’s famed bullet train.)
The spacious new seats in the new Acela.
Amtrak
The Train’s New Interior and Features
What is promised, though, is that the ride will be more comfortable due to enlarged ergonomic seats and a tilt system that creates a smoother, quieter ride as well as allowing the train to maintain its previous speed around curves. On board, there will be reliable, high speed 5G WiFi (functioning WiFi has always been an issue for me on board Amtrak trains), reading lights and individual power outlets and USB ports. The new trains will also feature 27% more seats and allow more daily departures, giving passengers more choice.
The new first class Acela meal service.
Amtrak
Enhanced Meal Service
An enhanced dining service will also be available in the new Café Acela and in First Class, although passengers in that class are already dining pretty well with signature dishes from restaurateur Stephen Starr’s establishments. Among the dishes: Charred Bobo Chicken (marinated chicken breast, lightly charred and served with a spicy, creamy aji verde sauce) from the Washington steakhouse/tavern St.Anselm; Ricotta Ravioli with a rich plum tomato sauce, basil and grated Parmesan from the Philadelphia French bistro Parc and from the DC Mexican restaurant El Presidente, Crab Enchiladas with lump crab, coconut, poblano peppers and corn, a rich guajillo chili sauce topped with tangy lime crema and a sprinkle of queso fresco.
The new grab and go section in Café Acela.
Amtrak
Other Train Upgrades
While NextGen Acela is Amtrak’s premium service, the company is also working on improvements in other parts of the country. Amtrak Airo, set to debut next year, will install new cars on trains including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone, Downeaster, Palmetto, Carolinian, Maple Leaf, Vermonter and Adirondack. This upgraded service will feature new modern interiors, larger windows, increased speeds up to 125 mph, a redesigned Café Car and spacious seating with seat back tablet holders. The productivity amenities will also upgrade with enhanced lighting, improved technology with digital customer information systems, dedicated individual outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi that hopefully functions better than it does right now. Another new service is actually a return: Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, which starts August 18, will be twice daily service between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans stopping at Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay Saint Louis. It’s also a scenic run down the Gulf Coast.
