
Travelers have several options for getting from point A to point B. Most people either fly or drive, but trains are also more popular than many would assume. This is primarily the case because the prices companies like Amtrak charge make traveling significantly cheaper. Now, Amtrak plans to roll out new state-of-the-art trains that promise …
Travelers have several options for getting from point A to point B. Most people either fly or drive, but trains are also more popular than many would assume. This is primarily the case because the prices companies like Amtrak charge make traveling significantly cheaper. Now, Amtrak plans to roll out new state-of-the-art trains that promise higher speeds and more advanced amenities.
Amtrak prices may be going up with the company’s new trains
As people familiar with train travel know, Amtrak has the only high-speed option in the United States with its Acela line. The company has been using Acela since 2000, but according to Daily Passport, this is about to change. Soon, Amtrak will begin using its NextGen Acela line, which is a fleet of all-electric, high-speed trains. The report says the company will start using them this spring.
Regarding the Amtrak NextGen Acela line, it will reportedly include 25 trains that can get up to 160 miles per hour. Notably, they are designed to reach 180 MPH, but the company limited their speeds for safety purposes. The old Acela trains maxed out at 150 miles per hour, which means these new ones are a decent upgrade when it comes to performance. Of course, the company has been testing these new high-speed trains for some time. It did 900 test runs with them between January and August 2024.
Rest assured, the new Amtrak trains aren’t just faster. They are also designed to enhance travelers’ experiences. For starters, their design is supposed to limit vibration, which makes for a more peaceful trip. Additionally, there will be increased legroom and more privacy for passengers. These trains will also have more charging ports and contactless amenities.
These new trains are sure to entice more people to consider Amtrak when traveling. However, some say these new trains shouldn’t have come before upgrading the rail system. Notably, the tracks are why the company decided to limit the NextGen Acela’s speed. Still, millions of people use Amtrak trains, and they’ll more than likely appreciate the new ones. This is even the case if Amtrak has to raise its prices for people to ride a train.