Amidst rising demands for passenger rail travel, Amtrak has procured 10 more Airo trainsets, amplifying the total contract order to an impressive 83 trainsets. Set for their grand entrance in 2026, these state-of-the-art trains are expected to serve routes across the nation.
Expressing enthusiasm over this acquisition, Amtrak President Roger Harris commented, “Our intent is to meet the escalating demand for train travel with top-notch, American-crafted equipment that epitomizes comfort, service, and modern amenities.” He further emphasized Amtrak’s dedication towards enhancing connectivity, fostering job creation, backing the American economy, and contributing to an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
The forthcoming trains, which are under production, promise a plethora of salient features:
- Comfort-First Seats: Packed with ergonomic enhancements like seatback holders for devices, robust tray tables, contouring seat cushions, and spacious legroom.
- User-Friendly Navigation: Vibrant, easy-to-decipher signage for amenities and distinct service classes.
- Eco-conscious Aspects: Superior fuel efficiency and dedicated hydration stations to cut down on single-use plastics.
- Advanced Tech: Equipped with the latest 5G Wi-Fi and digitized info systems.
- Unparalleled Accessibility: The trains boast spacious facilities with special amenities for passengers with limited mobility.
- Dining and Refreshment: A modern café car ensures quick food access.
- Optimized Restrooms: Spacious, touch-free restrooms are designed with accessibility in mind.
- Business Class Perks: Premium seating arrangements with enhanced amenities and ambiance.
- Efficient Lighting: Functionally aesthetic lighting ensures a comfortable travel environment.
- Luggage Solutions: Spacious baggage storage for a hassle-free journey.
Travelers can look forward to experiencing the new Amtrak Airo on various services, including Northeast Regional, Empire Service, and Pennsylvanian, among others.
Siemens in California is tasked with manufacturing the Airo trainsets, financed in part by Amtrak’s share from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This procurement is a fraction of Amtrak’s overarching blueprint to redefine rail travel, encompassing new Acela trains, expansive infrastructure developments, station facelifts, and track capacity enhancements.
The existing contract also opens up avenues for Amtrak to consider additional trainset purchases in forthcoming times.
