NEW HAVEN, Conn. —
Amtrak is looking toward a massive upgrade to rail travel with new trains becoming more comfortable, efficient, and eco-friendly.
The company announced Wednesday that they and California-based Siemens Mobility Inc. will create a new fleet of up to 83 multi-powered modern trains.
The trains will service state and northeast travel, with the potential for up to 130 additional trains to support their growth plans.
Amtrak said the new fleet will offer more modern amenities for travelers, including comfortable seating, individual power outlets, and USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows, larger vestibules, and a more contemporary food service experience with self-service options.
In addition to comfort, Amtrak said it's looking to make travel plans digitally accessible with customer trip information, digital seat reservation system, and navigation display systems.
In light of pandemic regulations, Amtrak said the trains were designed in accordance with the latest health and safety standards, including enhanced HVAC, touchless restroom controls, and automated steps.
Amtrak said the new trains will also be designed for more accessibility, including inductive hearing loops, accessible restrooms and vestibules, an accessible Food Service car, and lifts for customers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users.
“These new trains will reshape the future of rail travel by replacing our aging 40-to-50-year-old fleet with state-of-the-art, American-made equipment,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement. “This investment is essential to preserving and growing our Northeast Regional and state-supported services and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely, while deeply reducing criteria pollutants.”
“The new dual-powered locomotives will drastically improve rider experience, reducing the dwell time in Washington, D.C., that currently exists for an engine change,” DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, said. “This will increase overall capacity and decrease travel time between anywhere in Virginia to New York City and Boston significantly.”
The investment is $7.3 billion, which covers the purchase of equipment and a long-term parts supply and service agreement, facility modifications and upgrades, and other program expenses.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
