Initial launch of the first 5 next generation Acela trains along the Northeast Corridor was finally happened after 9 long years with multiple delays.

Since August 28 this year, Amtrak, the national rail operator of the USA, debuted the NextGen Acela train along the Northeast Corridor at 5:00 a.m. ET in Washington, DC, and at 6:00 a.m. ET in Boston, MA. It was the second generation of trains being debuted for the Acela flagship service, after 25 years since start of operations with the original Acela Express trainsets in 11 December 2000. Acela Express was rebranded to Acela since September 2019.

The proposal for new trains for the Acela service dates back to August 2016. As the current Acela trains are nearing the end of their useful service life, Amtrak decided to take up a $2.4 billion loan from the United States Department of Transportation for the purchase of new high-speed train sets from French manufacturer Alstom. Initial construction of car bodies and major components began at Alstom's Hornell factory in October 2017. 

After multiple delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and incompatibility issues due to infrastructure dating back two centuries, the trainsets were finally approved by the Federal Railroad Administration for on-track testing between Washington and Boston on January 13, 2024 after thirteen previous failures. On December 4, 2024, it was announced that 14 of the 28 trainsets had been delivered and revenue service was expected to begin in spring 2025. 

The trains are based of the Avelia Horizon trainsets, which are known as Avelia Liberty by Alstom but are marketed by Amtrak as NextGen Acela or Acela II.

“Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. The future of high-speed rail starts now.”

Improvements regarding performance from the original Acela trainsets includes:

• An increase of the top speed by 10mph to 160mph, despite actual journey times being constrained by infrastructure as tracks are yet to be equipped for high-speed travel. However, despite all of these limitations, it was still seen as the right step towards having high speed rail in the US.
• An advanced active "tilt system" dubbed Tiltronix by Alstom and based on Pendolinos, allows the trains to navigate curves at higher speeds with minimal discomfort, providing a notably smoother and quieter ride than the older trains, with a maximum tilting angle of 6.3°.
• As for the capacity, each trainset will accommodate up to 27% more customers per departure, with a total of 386 seats, inclusive of 8 wheelchair locations across Business and First Class. Also, unlike the previous 8-car original Acela trainsets, the new trainsets will contain 11 cars per trainsets (2 power cars, 9 passenger cars).

Improvements regarding passenger amenities from the original Acela trainsets includes:

• Regarding internet connectivity, there are free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi that is not found on the original trainsets.
• As for seating, passengers can enjoy wider, more ergonomic seats with ample legroom, individual power outlets, USB ports, and reading lights at every seat. Also for enhanced privacy, winged privacy headrests are added.
• For food options, the food and beverage options are enhanced compared to the previous gen, with a selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options available in the new Cafe Acela, plus cart service in Business Class. In addition, First Class passengers receive complimentary at-seat meal service.
• Spacious luggage areas, including overhead racks and luggage towers, offer streamlined storage.
• Enhanced accessibility features, such as accessible restrooms with motorized doors and audio cues and a 60-inch turning radius to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices, as well as extending platform fillers for easier boarding.
• The new cars are designed with bright lighting and large windows to create a more pleasant atmosphere and better views.

Current initiatives:

• Built in America, for America: The NextGen Acela fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY by skilled Machinists Union workers, using components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states—creating approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs. This is calculated based on the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2020 analysis, “Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment” which estimates that $1 billion of public transportation spending creates 12,600 jobs. Total estimate adjusted for inflation and provides general scale of impact.

Future plans:

• The first five Avelia Liberty trainsets was debuted on 28 August 2025, with the plan to have all 28 NextGen Acela trainsets in service by 2027.
• The rollout of the new Avelia Liberty trainsets is part of Amtrak's modernization plan.
• The modernization plan includes:
• Amtrak Airo trains debuting on the Amtrak Cascades, Northeast Regional, and East Coast routes to replace the 1970s Amfleet trains.
• New, more efficient Long Distance locomotives designated as ALC-42 for “Amtrak Long-distance Charger, 4,200-horsepower” made by Siemens Mobility.
• Upgraded interiors in Coaches, Dining Cars, Sleepers, and Sightseer Lounges—featuring new seat cushions, upholstery, lighting, and finishes.

As for why the Avelia Liberty used for the Acela service not being double decker unlike the original Avelia Horizon trainsets used in France by SNCF and Proxima, and Morocco by ONCF, there are two  reasons. The reasons are very simple. Running double-decker trains along the route would require significant, complex, and costly upgrades to infrastructure, including structures like bridges and tunnels, due to the lower loading gauge of the existing rail network along the Northeast Corridor. Also, double-decker designs poses as significant technical challenges such as stability issues from crosswinds and increased axle loads, making them impractical for high-speed service.

References

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