Coming in 2026: Amtrak unveils trains of the future
Dec. 23, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Amtrak recently released photos and videos depicting designs for new state-of-the-art trains under construction and anticipated to be put into service starting in 2026.
The new trains called Amtrak Airo will be used on routes throughout the country including the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express routes in Vermont, according to the company.
“As we invest in the future, Amtrak is leading the way with a new era of rail,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Our new trains will transform the Amtrak experience with significant environmental benefits, a progressive design and world-class amenities.”
The contract with Siemens is for 83 multi-powered modern trains with further options for up to 130 additional trains to support Amtrak’s growth plans. They will be put into service to replace aging 40-to-50-year-old equipment, the company said.
The company touted a number of features in the redesigned rail cars including more spacious interiors with panoramic windows offering riders a better view of the passing landscape than current trains. The new cars also will be fuel efficient, producing 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations than trains in use today.
The new trails will also be fast, operating at speeds up to 125 m.p.h. and won’t require time-consuming locomotive changes as they do now.
Interiors are being built to allow passengers more space including legroom, moveable headrests, sturdier tray tables with built-in cup holders and seatback tablet-holders. Lighting will be improved along with dedicated individual power outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi.
Improvements are also coming in food service, on board signage and business class seating.
The project represents part of a $7.3 billion investment that includes the purchase of equipment, a long-term parts supply and service agreement, and facility upgrades.
A share of Amtrak’s federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding will support the procurement of Amtrak Airo, which will be manufactured by Siemens Mobility Inc. in Sacramento, California.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., praised Amtrak’s investment and upcoming upgrades to passenger rail service.
“This service has connected Vermonters with the broader region for more than 50 years and will continue to be pivotal in our transition to a clean energy economy,” Leahy said. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have proudly supported strong funding for Amtrak, including securing over $150 million throughout my tenure for rail improvements across Vermont that Amtrak Airo will utilize when its service begins in 2026.”
Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said Vermont is grateful for the federal funding making the new equipment possible. “Vermont is enthusiastic about the new trainsets, which will replace the aging Amfleet railcars and transform our Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express services into state-of-the art, fuel-efficient services with increased reliability and passenger comfort and amenities,” Flynn said.
The new cars will complement Vermont’s investments in passenger rail services, including the recent extension of the Ethan Allen Express service to Burlington and efforts to extend the Vermonter service into Montreal, he added.
Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose said Americans “deserve modern, safe, reliable passenger rail service” and the new equipment makes big strides in that direction.
"This year, the Federal Railroad Administration provided nearly $4.3 billion in annual funding to support these improvements, and with President Biden's historic investments in Amtrak, we're poised to make intercity passenger rail an even more efficient, convenient and accessible mode of travel for Americans."
More information about Amtrak Airo is online at amtrak.com/amtrak-airo including a video on Vimeo.