It's been a long time coming but Amtrak is planning to introduce high-speed trains to their fleet in coming years.
In a statement, Amtrak announced plans to replace the current Acela Express trains with new, modernized trains on the Northeast Corridor that will include a number of updated amenities, including personal outlets, USB ports, and adjustable reading lights for each seat, larger tray tables, as well as improved WiFi onboard.
The new trains will accommodate 386 passengers, a 30 percent increase from the current fleet of trains and can reach speeds up to 186mph (but generally won't exceed 160mph), according to Amtrak's website. Currently, trains on the Northeast Corridor run between 125 and 150mph, according to Amtrak's website.
And the updates don't stop with the trains as Amtrak is also planning a number of infrastructure updates to major Northeast Corridor hubs, like Washington D.C.'s Union Station and Moynihan Station in New York, funded by a $2.45 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, there will be a 40 percent increase in new trains allowing for more frequent travel times between Washington D.C. and New York, and New York and Boston.
But don't go buying your tickets just yet expecting an upgraded experience, as the new fleet isn't planned to begin service until 2021. The first prototype will be ready by 2019 and the entire current fleet is expected to be out of service by the end of 2022.
