It's not every day that you see the phrase "demand for passenger rail travel exceeds expectations" in the United States: No details on what precise ridership numbers Amtrak is seeing to encourage...
It's not every day that you see the phrase "demand for passenger rail travel exceeds expectations" in the United States:
Amtrak executed a contract option to order 10 additional Amtrak Airo trainsets as demand for passenger rail travel exceeds expectations. This brings the total contract order to 83 trainsets. The first Amtrak Airo trainset is scheduled to debut in 2026 and these new trains will operate on routes throughout the country.
No details on what precise ridership numbers Amtrak is seeing to encourage this move, but I'm happy for it. This emoji-laden news briefing describes the many advantages of the new Airo trainsets, including:
Max speeds of up to 125 mph and elimination of engine changes (less dwell time)
Greater fuel efficiency than current rolling stock
Accessibility for wheelchair users and hearing assistance for announcements
Better wayfaring/signage to navigate trains and platforms
Spacious and more comfortable seating with modern amenities
Various "new train smell" improvements like bigger and nicer windows
The Airo trains are not to be confused with Amtrak's new Acela trainsets ("Avelia Liberty"), which will begin operating exclusively along the Northeast Corridor sometime in 2024.
I think the new trains look pretty cool. It's not like we're seeing a huge increase to max speed, but the reduction in travel times by not having to switch engines at certain stations (like DC Union Station) is meaningful. Emission improvements are great even if it's not a 100% electric train. I am very glad that more care is being made to make the trains accessible. Many wheelchair users and other disabled people have no choice but to take public transit, so ensuring that their experience is fluid should be paramount.
When I last traveled by train a couple weeks ago, it was entirely packed. There were people sitting in the observation car because there wasn't enough coach seating available. I'm glad to see...
When I last traveled by train a couple weeks ago, it was entirely packed. There were people sitting in the observation car because there wasn't enough coach seating available. I'm glad to see Amtrak getting more use, and also glad they're addressing the increased demand in some way more robust than just packing people in more tightly.
It's not every day that you see the phrase "demand for passenger rail travel exceeds expectations" in the United States:
No details on what precise ridership numbers Amtrak is seeing to encourage this move, but I'm happy for it. This emoji-laden news briefing describes the many advantages of the new Airo trainsets, including:
Affected routes include the following:
The Airo trains are not to be confused with Amtrak's new Acela trainsets ("Avelia Liberty"), which will begin operating exclusively along the Northeast Corridor sometime in 2024.
I think the new trains look pretty cool. It's not like we're seeing a huge increase to max speed, but the reduction in travel times by not having to switch engines at certain stations (like DC Union Station) is meaningful. Emission improvements are great even if it's not a 100% electric train. I am very glad that more care is being made to make the trains accessible. Many wheelchair users and other disabled people have no choice but to take public transit, so ensuring that their experience is fluid should be paramount.
When I last traveled by train a couple weeks ago, it was entirely packed. There were people sitting in the observation car because there wasn't enough coach seating available. I'm glad to see Amtrak getting more use, and also glad they're addressing the increased demand in some way more robust than just packing people in more tightly.