Next-Gen Rail: Inside Amtrak’s Game-Changing New "Airo" Trainsets

A massive transformation is officially sweeping across America’s passenger rail network. Following the rollout of the NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak has officially turned its focus to modernizing its intercity and regional routes. Enter the Amtrak Airo—a state-of-the-art, multi-billion-dollar fleet manufactured by Siemens Mobility that is poised to fundamentally reshape the daylight rail travel experience.

With the first completed trainsets already undergoing rigorous track testing and initial revenue service rapidly approaching, here is everything you need to know about the sleek new trains heading to a rail corridor near you.

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The Rollout: Who Gets the New Trains First?

Amtrak has ordered a massive fleet of 83 Airo trainsets to completely replace aging Amfleet equipment across the country. While routes like the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Keystone Service, and Pennsylvanian are slated to receive the new trains over the coming years, the Pacific Northwest is getting the ultimate first-look privileges.

The first eight custom-built Airo trainsets are dedicated entirely to the Amtrak Cascades route, which connects Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland, and Eugene. The very first completed Cascades trainset officially arrived at its Seattle maintenance base last month. Following final corridor testing and crew training, Amtrak is on track to welcome passengers on board the first two active trainsets this autumn.

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Speed, Efficiency, and Greener Transit

The Airo is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it is a massive leap forward in engineering and environmental sustainability:

• 125 MPH Capabilities: These trains are engineered to operate at top speeds of up to 125 mph wherever infrastructure permits, ensuring snappy transit times.
• 90% Cleaner Emissions: When running on diesel power, the advanced Siemens propulsion systems produce a staggering 90% fewer particulate emissions compared to legacy locomotives.
• Dual-Power Efficiency: For routes that transition between electrified tracks and non-electrified territory, the Airo features seamless power-source switching. This eliminates the traditional, time-consuming engine changes that historically added major delays to journeys.

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The Onboard Experience: Designed Around the Passenger

Step inside, and you will quickly realize that the Airo is a far cry from the utilitarian train interiors of the past. Amtrak spent years utilizing customer feedback to refine the internal cabin layouts, heavily emphasizing comfort and technology:

• Panoramic Windows: Massive, oversized windows flood the cabin with natural light, offering unmatched, sweeping views of the scenic routes (a major win for Cascades travelers traversing the Pacific Northwest).
• Redesigned Ergonomic Seats: Moving away from the stiffer seating models found on some state-supported commuter trains, the Airo sports premium, deeply cushioned Clerprem Ares seats. They feature a generous forward-shift recline that won’t encroach on the passenger behind you, alongside adjustable headrests.
• Tech-Ready Conveniences: Every single seat is equipped with dedicated individual power outlets, USB and USB-C charging ports, a sturdy tray table, and built-in tablet and cup holders. High-speed onboard Wi-Fi keeps you reliably connected throughout the trip.
• Streamlined Cafe Car: The completely re-imagined food service car moves away from narrow, cramped aisles, offering an airy, contemporary layout with self-service options and plenty of space to grab locally sourced treats.
• Elevated Accessibility: The trainsets feature spacious, fully ADA-compliant restrooms with touchless controls, wider vestibules, automated steps, and onboard wheelchair lifts to ensure a seamless experience for all travelers.

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A New Era of American Rail

Backed by historic funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the arrival of the Airo fleet signals that passenger rail is entering its most competitive era yet. By marrying high-end passenger comfort with eco-friendly engineering, Amtrak is proving that the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination.

Keep your eyes on the tracks—the future of American train travel is pulling into the station very soon!

Virginia Adds 2 New Amtrak Round Trips To Washington

New round-trip Amtrak routes will start Monday between Washington and two Virginia cities: Norfolk and Roanoke.

The additions will bring to eight the number of state-funded round trips from the nation’s capital, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

“We’re adding more options for people at the right time,” said Michael McLaughlin, chief operating officer at the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “Capacity on the trains is getting full, and ridership is at record-high levels.”

The extra train to Norfolk will be the third round trip to the area, according to the newspaper. It will depart Norfolk at 1 p.m. and arrive in Washington in a little over 4.5 hours. A new southbound train will depart Washington at 12:05 p.m.

Amtrak already runs one morning trip from Roanoke to D.C. and an evening return trip. Starting Monday, a new train will leave Washington for Roanoke at 8:05 a.m., and a Washington-bound train will leave Roanoke at 4:30 p.m., arriving shortly before 9:30 p.m.

Amtrak, which expanded service to Richmond last year, said the additions will give riders more options to travel in Virginia and boost connections to the Northeast.

Virginia is among 17 states that have state-sponsored Amtrak service, the Post reported.

Amtrak Unveils National Spring Sale, Saving 33% For Purchase Available March 26th To March 29th – For Travel From April 15th To June 21st

Amtrak has announced its new, National Spring Sale campaign, encouraging travelers to take a trip to their favorite destination prior to the summer rush, by offering discounted travel from Sunday, April 15 to Thursday, June 21 with no blackout dates. The sale runs exclusively on Amtrak.com from Monday, March 26 through Thursday, March 29, and presents the lowest fares of the season. Fares are 33 percent off a typical fare, and requires no promotional code to purchase.

Customers can sit in comfort, instead of traffic, with large spacious seats, no middle seats, ample legroom, the freedom to move around, and Wi-Fi on most train services. Some of the trains and destinations customers can experience with this sale for a quick weekend getaway or a trip to their favorite destination are:

Pairing Cities	Train	Price	Pairing Cities	Train	Price
St. Louis - Kansas City, Mo.	Missouri River Runner	$22	Los Angeles – Portland, Ore.	Coast Starlight	$80
New York City – Washington, D.C.	Northeast Regional	$43	New York City - Miami	Silver Service	$103
New York City – Montreal	Adirondack	$46	New Orleans – Los Angeles	Sunset Limited	$115
Washington, D.C. – Chicago	Cardinal	$67	Chicago – Los Angeles	Southwest Chief	$118

Space is limited, and prices are not available on all trains at all times. Other restrictions apply. The National Spring Sale is valid only for coach seats, and upgrades to business class or sleeper upgrades are not included. One child, age 2-12, may accompany each adult at half the typical adult fee. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are allowed. Once ticketed, fares are non-refundable. Exchanges are permitted prior to scheduled departure, a 25 percent cancellation fee applies to all tickets.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak offers a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of leg room and no middle seat. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak customers for each of the past seven years. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces, and reaches 400 additional destinations via connecting bus routes. Learn more at Amtrak.com.

Amtrak Offers Double Points For Spring Travel With Double Days Promotion, March 18th-May 19th

Customers can earn free travel and other rewards faster

Amtrak customers will soon have the opportunity to see double with the return of the company’s popular Double Days promotion. Amtrak Guest Rewards members, who typically receive two points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel, will now see their points doubled on travel from Monday, March 19 to Saturday, May 19.

By earning double points, customers can unlock rewards faster, including free Amtrak travel, upgrades, hotel stays and more. During Double Days, Amtrak Guest Rewards members can also earn up to six times the points with special offers from Amtrak’s partners, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car®, Teleflora®, Choice Hotels® and many more.

Registration, required for participating in Double Days, began Monday, March 5, and is available through the end of the promotion. Amtrak Guest Rewards members can register at AmtrakGuestRewards.com/DoubleDays. Customers who are not yet members may also visit AmtrakGuestRewards.com/DoubleDays to join Amtrak Guest Rewards and register for the promotion in just one step. Terms and conditions apply.

Amtrak offers free Wi-Fi on most trains, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat, and some of the best views and sight-seeing opportunities in the United States.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak offers a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of leg room and no middle seat. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak customers for each of the past seven years. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces, and reaches 400 additional destinations via connecting bus routes. Learn more at Amtrak.com.

Amtrak “Presidents Day Sale”, Savings Up To 30 Percent On Travel Across The Country From February 16-19th.

 

Whether you want to find out if the West Coast is the Best Coast, discover the pulse of the Heartland, or see the uniqueness of the Eastern Seaboard, Amtrak’s “Presidents Day Sale” can help those who want to experience some of the best sightseeing opportunities, iconic landmarks and exciting travel opportunities in the country.

Starting Friday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 19 (Presidents Day), customers can receive up to 30 percent discounts on select trains nationwide for travel between Monday, Mar. 19 and Wednesday, May. 23, with no blackout dates. Below are some of the special prices available during the “Presidents Day Sale” available on our most popular trains, including the Cardinal, Southwest Chief and Northeast Regional.

To/From	Price	To/From	Price
Washington, D.C. - Philadelphia	$33	Chicago – New York City	$82
New York City - Philadelphia	$33	Los Angeles – Portland, OR	$90
New York City - Boston	$43	Chicago - Denver	$92
New York City – Washington, D.C.	$43	Los Angeles - Seattle	$92
Chicago – Washington, D.C.	$76	Los Angeles - Chicago	$133

The sale is only available at Amtrak.com, and all prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare price. No discount code is needed; prices are as shown and can’t be combined with other discount codes. 

Amtrak offers free Wi-Fi on most trains, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat.

Sale prices are available exclusively for one-way Coach Class fares and upgrades to Business Class or sleeping accommodations are not permitted. Space is limited as sale prices are not available on all routes or at all times, including Acela Express. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Others restrictions may apply.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak offers a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of leg room and no middle seat. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak customers for each of the past seven years. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces, and reaches 400 additional destinations via connecting bus routes. Learn more at Amtrak.com.

Amtrak Reveals Northeast Regional 3 Day Sale For Travel Between February 5th And March 15th, 2018

Available exclusively online with prices ranging from $8 to $51

If your New Year’s Resolution is to travel more in 2018, Amtrak is doing its part by offering customers its “Northeast Regional 3 Day Sale” for travel between Monday, Feb. 5 and Thursday, Mar. 15, including holiday travel during President’s Day Weekend. Starting Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Thursday, Jan. 18, customers can receive discounts on one-way fares to visit the most popular cities in the Northeast, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and more, with no blackout dates.

The sale is only available at  Amtrak.com, and all prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare price. No discount code is needed; prices are as shown and can’t be combined with other discount codes. 

Below are some of the special prices available during the Northeast Regional Flash Sale. All prices reflect the cost of each trip in either direction.

Pairing Cities	Price	Pairing Cities	Price
Boston - Providence	$8	Boston - New York City	$40
New York City - New Haven	$22	New York City - Baltimore	$42
Boston - New Haven	$29	Metropark - Washington, D.C.	$44
Washington, D.C. - Philadelphia	$29	New York City - New Carrollton	$47
New York City - Providence	$34	New York City - Washington, D.C.	$47
New York City - Wilmington	$34	Boston - Philadelphia	$51

Amtrak offers large spacious seats with wide, comfortable reclining seats and ample legroom for comfort, as well as free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, no middle seat, and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry.

Sale prices are available exclusively for one-way Coach Class fares and upgrades to Business Class are not permitted. The offer does not include travel to or from any intermediate cities. Space is limited as sale prices are not available on all trains or at all times. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Others restrictions may apply.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak offers a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of leg room and no middle seat. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak customers for each of the past seven years. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces, and reaches 400 additional destinations via connecting bus routes. Learn more at Amtrak.com.

Travelore News: Amtrak Invests $2.4 Billion In Next-Gen High-Speed Trainsets, Infrastructure Upgrades

WASHINGTON, DC - Amtrak is contracting with Alstom to produce 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets that will replace the equipment used to provide Amtrak's premium Acela Express service. The contract is part of $2.45 billion that will be invested on the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor (NEC) as part of a multifaceted modernization program to renew and expand the Acela Express service.

"Amtrak is taking the necessary actions to keep our customers, the Northeast region and the American economy moving forward," said Amtrak President & CEO Joe Boardman. "These trainsets and the modernization and improvement of infrastructure will provide our customers with the mobility and experience of the future."

The new trainsets will have one-third more passenger seats, while preserving the spacious, high-end comfort of current Acela Express service. Each trainset will have modern amenities that can be upgraded as customer preferences evolve such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights at every seat, enhanced food service and a smoother, more reliable ride.

This procurement comes as demand for Acela Express service is as popular as ever, with many trains selling out during peak travel periods. The new trainsets will allow for increased service including half-hourly Acela Express service between Washington D.C. and New York City during peak hours, and hourly service between New York City and Boston.

"As more people rely on Amtrak, we need modernized equipment and infrastructure to keep the region moving," said Chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors Anthony Coscia. "These trainsets will build on the popularity and demand of the current Acela Express and move this company into the future as a leader in providing world-class transportation."

The new trainsets will operate along the Washington – New York – Boston Northeast Corridor initially at speeds up to 160 mph and will be capable of speeds up to 186 mph and thus will be able to take advantage of future NEC infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, the trainsets use the base design of one of the safest high-speed trainsets. Concentrated power cars, located at each end of the trainset, provide an extra buffer of protection. The trainsets will also meet the latest Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines including a Crash Energy Management system.

"The next generation of Acela service will mean safer, faster and modern trains for customers throughout the Northeast," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. "This investment will pay immediate dividends for businesses and travelers from Washington D.C. to Boston, and the fact that these new trains will be built in Upstate New York makes this project a win-win. These New York-made Acela trains will soon be zipping along the Northeast Corridor and – as a regular customer – I can't wait for my first ride."

"The Northeast Corridor is a national economic engine that carries a workforce contributing $50 billion annually to the national GDP," said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. "Amtrak's continued investment in modernizing its fleet will only serve to enhance this vital rail link between Boston and Washington D.C. while allowing for safer and faster travel at a time when passenger demand is expected to rise. Strengthening our nation's infrastructure is essential to the economic growth of our region and the nation and this investment by Amtrak will help ensure the reliable service travelers expect."
Amtrak is funding the trainsets and infrastructure improvements through the FRA's Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing program that will be repaid through growth in NEC revenues.

"Amtrak is grateful for all of the support we have received from Congress, especially from Sen. Schumer and Rep. Reed who represents Hornell, New York – home of the Alstom facility," said Boardman. "We would also like to thank Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson and House Transportation Committee Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their leadership on the FAST Act. Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of Senators Booker and Wicker for their support on the inclusion of the rail title, the first time Amtrak reauthorization has been included in surface transportation legislation."

In addition to the trainsets, Amtrak is also investing in infrastructure needed to improve the on-board and station customer experience that will accommodate the increased high-speed rail service levels. Amtrak will invest in significant station improvements at Washington Union Station, Moynihan Station New York, as well as track capacity and ride quality improvements to the NEC that will benefit both Acela Express riders and other Amtrak and commuter passengers. Amtrak will also modify fleet maintenance facilities to accommodate the new trains.

The trainsets will be manufactured at Alstom's Hornell and Rochester, N.Y., facilities, creating 400 local jobs. Additionally, parts for the new trainsets will come from more than 350 suppliers in more than 30 states, generating an additional 1,000 jobs across the country.
The first prototype of the new trainsets will be ready in 2019, with the first trainset entering revenue service in 2021. All of the trainsets are expected to be in service, and the current fleet retired, by the end of 2022.

A Luxury Hotel On tracks: Japan To Get Two New Trains Giving A High End Travelling Experience

Japan‘s rail travel will hit new heights of luxury next year with the launch of new cruise trains by JR East and JR West. The demand for both routes is expected to outstrip supply as the rail cars compare favourably with the luxury of top class hotels.

The train will run through unspoiled West Japan.

Twilight Express Mizukaze will run through the unspoiled landscape of West Japan. The trips will embark from Kyoto, Osaka and Shimonoseki and will be ten-cars long. Included on the Express are six sleeper cars, two sightseeing carriages, a dining car and a lounge car.

The train will have 17 lavish rooms or carriages

The train will have a capacity of 30 passengers. Top-class chefs will oversee the exclusive menus showcasing a variety of ingredients from along the route. All will be prepared from fresh produce while on board. Mizutake passengers will be able to savour as well as gain a deeper appreciation of washoku and other cuisine from the region through the specially designed menus.

A bath made of Japanese cypress will be in the highest grade suite

The other luxury train, JR East, ‘Train Suite Shiki-Shima’ will offer luxury trips from Tokyo’s Ueno station through Tohoku and up into Hokkaido. It will showcase a unique view of Japan’s beautiful natural scenery as well as the local foods, arts and crafts of each region. Passengers will be able to disembark from the train to explore areas along the route. This train will also comprise ten cars, with four being dedicated to dining lounge, and viewing areas.

The train will launch in 2017

It will have no more than 34 passengers for the 17 luxurious rooms in the six sleeping cars.  A bath in the top-grade suite will be made of Japanese cypress. For the four day/three night and two day/one night train cruises will start from just under St£2,000. Shiki-shima will begin operations next May.

Created by PJ Cunningham

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2016/06/03/japan-new-luxury-trains/#ixzz4Ac8rTcaX