Starting August 28, Boston travelers can experience the future of East Coast rail with Amtrak’s NextGen Acela, a 160-mile-per-hour train service connecting Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. This launch marks a new chapter in American train travel with several exciting upgrades tailored to meet the needs of busy, tech-savvy commuters and leisure travelers alike.
The NextGen Acela offers significantly more seats—27% more per departure—allowing for more comfortable trips with expanded weekday and weekend schedules. Initially,5 sleek new trainsets roll out, with a total of 28 new trains scheduled to enter service by 2027, meaning more frequent and reliable departures on the coveted Northeast Corridor route.
The new trains bring premium onboard features designed for productivity and comfort. Passengers can enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi to stay connected, along with individual power outlets and reading lights, making it easier to work, read, or relax during the journey. Booking is streamlined through the Amtrak app, website, or station kiosks, with easy seat selection and itinerary management.
Built by skilled U.S. Machinists Union workers at Alstom’s Hornell, NY facility, the NextGen Acela trains represent a robust American manufacturing effort, involving over 180 suppliers from 29 states and supporting around 15,000 jobs nationwide.
This launch is just a part of Amtrak’s ambitious fleet modernization plan, which also includes upgrades across other routes and train types, enhancing the travel experience across the board.
For Boston-area train enthusiasts, the NextGen Acela is not only a faster, more comfortable way to travel but also a symbol of innovation and job creation in the rail industry. It’s an invitation to rediscover and embrace train travel along one of America’s busiest and most important rail corridors. Whether for business or leisure, Boston riders today have a compelling reason to choose the train for trips up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
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