Amtrak's NextGen Acela can reach up to 160 mph and represents the nation's first modern high-speed trainset for service on the Northeast Corridor. Initial rides have operated along routes between New York City and New Haven ahead of the public launch on August 28. Trains feature eight cars including first-class and designated quiet cars, and provide 27% more seating capacity per train. The fleet will include 28 trains, five of which are in service so far, with a goal to deploy all units by 2027. Top speeds are limited by current track infrastructure, but trip times and onboard comfort are markedly improved over standard Amtrak service.
With a speed of up to 160 mph, the NextGen Acela is the first of its kind when it comes to high-speed trains in the U.S. I got to experience it firsthand as one of the first to ride the NextGen Acela on its launch route along the Northeast Corridor, ahead of its public launch on August 28 (specifically, I was whisked from New York City to New Haven).
My immediate impression was that it is very similar in style to Italy's sleek and modern Frecciarossa trains, and the speed certainly added to that effect. That said, we never hit top speed on my journey, and NextGen Acela won't be hitting top speed until there are infrastructure improvements to the tracks-but it's still noticeably faster than a standard Amtrak ride when you look out the window and watch everything flash by.
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