Amtrak Launches Over 80 New Trains in Major Fleet Overhaul

Amtrak is shaking up its passenger rail service with the introduction of over 80 new Airo trains this summer. This major fleet overhaul involves replacing aging rail cars, some of which have operated for nearly five decades. The initiative, part of an $8 billion investment in the future of American rail travel, marks the largest fleet replacement in Amtrak’s history since its establishment in 1971.

Details of the Airo Fleet

Constructed by Siemens in California, the Airo trains are designed to enhance the passenger experience across key travel corridors, starting with the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak President Roger Harris emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating that these trains are “made right here, in America by America for Americans.”

First Routes and Timeline

• The initial Airo trains will debut on the Amtrak Cascades route.
• This route connects major cities: Seattle, Portland, Eugene, and Vancouver, BC.
• Eight trainsets are slated for the Cascades, available for service this summer.
• Additional Airo trains will be introduced to East Coast routes, including the Northeast Regional line, with testing beginning later this year and passenger service set for 2027.

Innovative Train Design

The newly designed interiors will feature enhanced amenities aimed at improving passenger comfort. Highlights include:

• Larger windows and brighter lighting.
• New seating configuration with individual USB-C ports and reading lights.
• Business class will offer wider seats and more legroom.
• Reclining seats that adjust forward instead of backward, a change that has met with mixed feedback.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is a strong focus of the Airo redesign. Key features consist of:

• Motorized wheelchair lifts in the cars.
• Wider aisles for easier navigation.
• Accessible café cars and restrooms designed for wheelchair users.

Operational Efficiency

Operating at speeds of up to 125 mph, these new Airo trains improve capacity without entering high-speed rail classification. The new locomotives are equipped to seamlessly switch between diesel and electric power. This capability is expected to save time on specific routes.

Capacity Increase

Each Airo train on the Cascades route is expected to accommodate up to 300 passengers, significantly more than the 168 seats available on current trains. While Amtrak has not announced fare increases related to the new fleet, concerns regarding potential price hikes have been raised among travelers.

Funding and Future Developments

Part of the funding for this fleet comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supporting Amtrak’s commitment to modernizing its aging equipment. This rollout follows the recent introduction of NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor in 2025, underscoring a broader modernization effort across Amtrak’s national network.