Amtrak unveils new coaches that will eventually serve most East Coast routes and others
Amtrak's new trainsets will provide increased accessibility and be more environmentally friendly than the existing fleet.
The railroad previewed what passengers can expect during a Thursday press conference in New York, promising new features like larger panoramic windows, ergonomic seats, adjustable headrests, and cup and tablet holders.
"As we invest in the future, Amtrak is leading the way with a new era of rail," Amtrak president Roger Harris said in a statement. "Our new trains will transform the Amtrak experience with significant environmental benefits, a progressive design and world-class amenities."
Although passengers won't start seeing the cars in service until 2026, railroad officials said they represent an important evolution for Amtrak, especially because the new trains are more environmentally friendly than its existing fleet.
Here's what passengers can expect from the new Amtrak Airo cars and what the rollout plan is.
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What will the new Amtrak coaches feature?
According to Amtrak the Airo trainsets are being manufactured by Siemens in Sacramento.
Each train will feature all-new digital signage, an upgraded café car and touch-free restrooms, among other features. At-seat outlets and free Wi-Fi, already available on most Amtrak trains, will remain standard.
The railroad also hinted that the trains should enable a new seat reservation system once they roll out, and will feature more table seating as well as a 1-2 seating arrangement in business class, and more table seating options throughout the train.
In addition to passenger-facing upgrades, Amtrak says the new trains will produce 90% fewer particulate emissions than the railroad's existing fleet.
Airo cars are being made with hybrid propulsion, including diesel and battery power systems, as well as overhead electric versions.
Where track conditions allow, the new trains will be able to run at up to 125 miles per hour, speeding journey times along their routes.
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When and where will Amtrak's new cars enter service?
Amtrak expects to take delivery of its first Airo trainset in 2026 when it will go into service on the Cascades route in the Pacific Northwest.
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The railroad said it would continue taking deliveries and putting the new trains into service through 2031. Once the full fleet is delivered, Amtrak's new cars will run on the following routes, mostly on the East Coast and in the Pacific Northwest:
Northeast Regional
Empire Service
Virginia Services
Keystone Service
Downeaster
Amtrak Cascades
Maple Leaf
New Haven/Springfield Service
Palmetto
Carolinian
Pennsylvanian
Vermonter
Ethan Allen Express
Adirondack
Amtrak's existing fleet of coaches and locomotives that serves those routes will be phased out and either sold on the secondary market or scrapped as the new trains come into service.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amtrak's new coaches will roll out starting in 2026
