(NewsNation) — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined Amtrak President Roger Harris in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday for the launch of the company’s new high-speed NextGen Acela train.
The inaugural ride from D.C. to New York City comes after multiple setbacks and years of delays. The trains were initially scheduled to debut in 2022.
Speaking to reporters from Union Station, Duffy said the new fleet marks the beginning of a new chapter for Amtrak.
“We’re going to be able to carry more people on these trains, which hopefully means better pricing. It’s going to mean better revenue — but most importantly, a better experience for the traveling public,” Duffy said. “I don’t think it should just be China, Europe, Japan, others that have high-speed rail. I think America deserves high-speed rail.”
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Harris told reporters the fleet could be described in three words: “premium, convenient and comfortable.”
“These trains are beautiful, they are fast, they are state-of-the-art, and they are American-made,” Harris said. “And best of all, beginning tomorrow, they are ready.”
Initially, five trains will be in operation throughout the Northeast corridor, with 28 trains set to be running by 2027. They are expected to reach top speeds of 160 mph, about 10 miles faster than older models. According to Amtrak, the trains will feature 27% more seats per departure, expanded schedules, free WIFI and upgraded interiors.
The NextGen Acela fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York, by Machinists Union workers, creating approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs, according to Amtrak.
The trains will be part of a “broader fleet modernization plan,” which will include new Amtrak Airo trains set to debut in multiple locations nationwide, more efficient long-distance trains and upgrades to interior features. The older Acela trains were first introduced in 2000. Passengers can book their seats on the new high-speed trains via the Amtrak website.
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Feds take control of Union Station in DC
During the news conference, Duffy also announced that the Department of Transportation would take control of D.C.’s Union Station as part of citywide clean-up efforts by the Trump administration.
He told reporters the station was “owned” by the department, adding that “we can manage the property better.”
“We’re going to make the investments to make sure this station isn’t dirty, that we don’t have homelessness in Union Station. We want a place where businesses want to obtain leases and set up shops,” Duffy said.
Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steven Bradbury said the station has been neglected and that updates were necessary.
“The capital needs now amount to something like $170 million. We need a new roof, we need new systems in the station, we need new restrooms in the station,” Bradbury said. “We need to get the station on stable financial footing.”
