Amtrak is launching five of its new high-speed NextGen Acela trains in the Northeast Corridor on Aug. 28, with two stops in Connecticut.
The new trains will travel between Washington, New York City, and Boston, reaching speeds of up to 160 mph, and will make stops in Stamford and at New Haven’s Union Station, according to Amtrak’s website. There are also stops in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Providence.
“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a news release. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”
The new trains will feature free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, individual USB ports, power outlets, reading lights and an “enhanced” offering of food and beverages onboard, the company said. In addition, Amtrak says the trains offer 27% more seating per departure.
Five trains will be added initially, but up to 28 new trains are scheduled to be introduced gradually through 2027, Amtrak said. The new trains are built in a facility in Hornell, New York, using components from 29 different states and the project is creating as many as 15,000 jobs, the company said.
They are part of a broader “fleet modernization plan,” which will also improve services on the Northeast Regional trains, bring in more efficient long-distance locomotives and train cars with upgraded interiors like new seatings and lighting, Amtrak said.
Expanded weekday and weekend schedules are planned as well.
The current Acela trains will still be operating as well while the new trains are gradually being introduced. Amtrak has so far not stated how the new trains will affect the trip times between cities on the route.