. . . we’re with you! Rail travelers who are in or pass through North America will certainly know the name Amtrak. It is North America’s “everyday” rail service. Over the years, the company has been the brunt of a fair amount of derision. Trains were old, late, poorly maintained and rarely on time. To add to that, prices were high. What’s not to like? The company has been under the thumb of the US Government for decades, who never really gave the company its due or its time. Automobiles were (and are) still the way to get around in America, for the most part, and changing that will take a long, long, while to rectify, if ever.
When you compare Amtrak with European rail services, you’ll want to laugh, or cry. We are situated in a part of the US where some Amtrak rail services exists. And, to be fair, the services are not bad if your expectations are realistic. So, now Amtrak has rolled up its sleeves and currently has two major new train fleet rollouts underway: the NextGen Acela Siemens (high-speed rail) and the Amtrak Airo (intercity. Amtrak’s premium high-speed train, manufactured by Alstom, officially debuted on the Northeast Corridor.
Washington, D.C.–New York–Boston) Speed: Features a top speed of 160 mph with an enhanced active-tilt system, which allows it to navigate curves faster and smoother. Amenities: Upgraded First and Business Class, 5G Wi-Fi, USB ports/power outlets at every seat, and larger windows with improved shades. Capacity: 28 trainsets will gradually enter service, increasing passenger volume by 27%. Amtrak’s newest nationwide intercity fleet
The trains, (manufactured by Siemens) recently began arriving for testing and are set to roll out across the Pacific Northwest (such as the Cascades route) before expanding to the rest of the country. Routes: Replacing aging equipment, these will operate on routes from Maine to Georgia and Canada to Oregon.
Amenities: Accommodates around 300 passengers (50% more than older trains), features upgraded business class, and includes individual outlets, USB-C ports, digital information systems, and spacious restrooms. Amtrak is also in the process of replacing its older, bi-level Superliner cars with a new standardized fleet of single-level long-distance passenger cars. They are currently reviewing proposals from manufacturers, with the new cars anticipated to feature solo sleeper suites and entirely redesigned coach and lounge cars. This is all huge and, again, we’re rooting for the underdog. When you’re ready, our affiliate partners, OMIO, will be ready with the goods. PS: in case you want a primer, Amtrak have a neat video. Click here. Book tickets here.
As ever, no matter where you go, travel insurance is a good idea. We like Travelex. Click here