Amtrak releases pictures of the new Acelas under construction in New York NEWSWIRE

NEW YORK – Amtrak’s new, state-of-the-art, high-speed Acela trainsets, which will redefine the customer experience on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor when they enter service on the Northeast Corridor in 2021, are making significant progress in their construction at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, N.Y.

The first trainset prototype will be ready for testing later this year and will enter revenue service in 2021, with all trainsets in service in 2022. The new trains will provide world-class accommodations and amenities, along with a smoother and even more comfortable ride. Each train will have more seats than the current Acela trains, with spacious, high-end comfort customers expect, including personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights at every seat. Additional features include:

Contemporary food service, offering easy access and greater selection
• Advanced seat reservation system;
• Onboard information system providing real time information such as location, train speed, and conductor announcements;
• Accessibility features for people with disabilities;
• Spacious restrooms with a 60-inch diameter turning radius;
• Streamlined overhead luggage compartment;
• Cutting-edge safety systems to provide real-time monitoring and ensure a safe and comfortable ride;
• Interior safety details include handles integrated into the seatbacks to aid customers walking through the train, grab bars for stability and gap fillers to cover the space between the train and the platform, creating a smooth surface for entering and exiting the train.

— An Amtrak news release. June 13, 2019.