Key Takeaways
- Amtrak is introducing new high-speed trains called NextGen Acela on the Northeast Corridor, reaching speeds of up to 160 mph.
- The NextGen Acela trains are based on Alstom's Avelia Liberty model and feature two power cars at both ends, with Jacobs bogies connecting them.
- Improvements include 27% more seating, USB ports, and an upgraded tilting system for a smoother ride at higher speeds.
- Amtrak has not disclosed any significant improvements in travel times, though more express trains may enhance journey speeds.
- The definition of "high-speed rail" varies, with U.S. standards being lower than international classifications, and Amtrak markets the Acela as the fastest train in the Western Hemisphere.
After much waiting, Amtrak is set to introduce new high-speed trains on the Northeast Corridor, connecting Boston, MA, and Washington, DC. The latest Acela trainsets will reach speeds of up to 160 miles per hour (mph), which is just shy of 260 km/h. This speed is 10 mph faster than the previous generation of trains, still referred to as Acela Express, which have been in service for over 25 years.
NextGen Acela Details
The new trains are officially named NextGen Acela, designed on Alstom's Avelia Liberty model. The trains will continue to have two power cars located at both the front and rear. Additionally, both ends of the train are connected by a bogie known as Jacobs bogies, which complicates the process of altering the train's length—a task that is infrequently undertaken in high-speed rail.
Enhancements and Features
These new Acelas are aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience. They offer 27% more seating per trainset, including eight spaces for wheelchairs. Also, the seating now comes equipped with USB ports, though only USB-A ports are available. Another improvement is the upgraded tilting system; similar to the former model, this train can lean into bends, but it is anticipated to provide a smoother ride at the higher speed of 160 mph. This could potentially allow for faster travel along the Northeast Corridor, which primarily consists of winding tracks with only brief sections suitable for high speeds. So far, the average speed has only been capped at 70 mph (112 km/h).
Future Expectations
Nevertheless, Amtrak has yet to reveal any improvements in travel times. Faster journeys may be possible by introducing more express trains, especially since Amtrak now has additional rolling stock. More details about the new Acela are anticipated before August 28th.
So, the trains won't exactly be lightning fast. In the United States, high-speed rail is defined differently, where a speed of nearly 180 km/h or 110 mph suffices. On the other hand, the International Union of Railways (UIC) classifies high-speed rail as speeds of 255 km/h, though it allows for exceptions down to 200 km/h in certain cases. In South Korea, high-speed rail operates at a minimum of 300 km/h.
Amtrak's Perspective
Of course, Amtrak has its own viewpoint on this matter. In its marketing materials from 2020, the company touted it as the fastest train in the Western Hemisphere. This is a rather unique perspective, especially considering that Morocco had already achieved speeds of 320 km/h by that time.
Source: Link