Amtrak is gearing up to launch a new fleet of passenger trains this summer, replacing some rail cars that have been in use for nearly half a century. The fresh models, called Airo, are part of an extensive $8 billion order for 83 trains produced by Siemens in California. This marks Amtrak’s largest fleet overhaul since its inception in 1971.
Amtrak President Roger Harris remarked during a presentation that these trains symbolize a significant step in modernizing the entire fleet and emphasized their American-made roots. This push for modernization coincides with impressive ridership numbers, as Amtrak anticipates serving 34.5 million passengers by 2025. These new trains will enhance travel on key routes, particularly starting in the Pacific Northwest.
The inaugural Airo trains will operate on the Amtrak Cascades route, connecting cities like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, with eight trains planned for that corridor. Further expansions will extend to East Coast routes, including the Northeast Regional Line, with pilot services set to commence later this year and full passenger operations expected by 2027.
Travelers will likely notice several changes, especially inside the trains. The revamped interiors are designed to be more user-friendly, featuring larger windows, improved lighting, and a digital display that shows route information. Each seat will come equipped with standard power outlets, USB-C ports, reading lights, adjustable headrests, and spacious tray tables. In the coach class, seats will be arranged with two on either side of the aisle, while business class will offer a wider and more spacious two-to-one seating layout.
One of the more debated features is the new seat design, which shifts forward when adjusted, rather than reclining backward like traditional seats. Some initial reviews have highlighted discomfort for taller passengers because this design can actually reduce legroom during adjustment.
Accessibility is also a focal point of this redesign, with enhancements such as electric wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and improved facilities for travelers with disabilities.
The trains, while capable of reaching speeds up to 195 mph, will not be classified as high-speed rail. They are engineered for efficiency, allowing for seamless switching between diesel and electric power without the need for an engine change, which could save time on certain routes.
Despite this major upgrade in service and ambiance, Amtrak hasn’t revealed any planned fare increases for the new Airo models. Nonetheless, there’s growing concern among some customers that the upscale features and enhancements might lead to higher ticket prices.
Funding for these new trains will partially come from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, following Amtrak’s recent rollout of next-generation Acela trains across the Northeast Corridor. This overhaul is part of a broader initiative to modernize outdated rail equipment across the United States.
