NextGen Acela begins revenue service Aug. 28 with trains capable of 160 miles per hour and 27% greater passenger capacity. New cars offer free 5G Wi‑Fi, ergonomic seating, larger windows for sightseeing, and enhanced food service with expanded cafe options and some self-service choices. First Class features include meals designed by James Beard Award–winning Stephen Starr and access to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge at stations. Twenty-eight NextGen trains entered testing in early 2020 and transition into service now. The launch follows record Amtrak ridership in fiscal 2024 and coincides with potential funding challenges affecting Amtrak's Keystone line.
The new version of Acela - known as NextGen Acela - is set to have its first day of revenue service on Thursday, Aug. 28, departing Boston that morning on a southbound trip.What can travelers expect? Trains with a top speed of 160 miles per hour and a larger passenger capacity, for one thing - Amtrak's announcement revealed that the new cars can hold 27% more passengers.
Those passengers will have access to free 5G wifi, ergonomic seats and larger windows than those found on existing Acela trains, ideal for both sightseeing and seeing the gloriously passive-aggressive "Trenton Makes - The World Takes" sign in western New Jersey. Among the other amenities are First Class meals designed by the James Beard Award-winning Stephen Starr - and, for First Class passengers, access to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge at the station.
The arrival of NextGen Acela has been several years in the making; the 28 trains entering service began the process of being tested in early 2020. It's a welcome piece of news that they're entering service now, as well as encouraging news from Amtrak, who may be dealing with a crisis on their Keystone line if SEPTA funding issues are not worked out in the near future.
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