Alstom, a global leader in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions, has celebrated the debut of Amtrak’s high-speed NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor. Manufactured in the United States, these trains are capable of reaching speeds up to 160 miles per hour, making them the fastest trains in the country. The new service will modernize one of the busiest and most economically vital rail lines, offering 27% more seating than Amtrak’s previous Acelas and a faster, more comfortable experience for passengers.
“The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in the U.S.,” said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom. “With nearly 50 years of expertise in high-speed rail, Alstom is proud to deliver the most advanced and fastest trains in America, built here, for America. We thank Amtrak for their trust, as well as the Federal Railroad Administration, USDOT, and all our partners for helping bring this project to life.”
Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, emphasized the significance of this project: “The NextGen Acela represents a milestone in American rail, showcasing homegrown innovation and our commitment to revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. These trains, built by skilled American workers, will not only increase speed but also support the growth of the nation’s economy by creating jobs and strengthening the local supply chain.”
Amtrak President Roger Harris also expressed pride in the project: “Acela has long been a symbol of American high-speed rail, and the NextGen Acela ushers in a new era of next-generation service. Today marks the beginning of the future of high-speed rail in the U.S.”
Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia added, “From the moment passengers step onboard, they’ll experience the next level of comfort, design, and service. We’re grateful for the support from government officials and our partners for helping bring this innovative project to fruition.”
The NextGen Acela, part of Alstom’s Avelia product line, draws on the company’s decades of global expertise in high-speed rail, with more than 1,000 Avelia units sold in 25 countries. Developed specifically for the U.S., the Avelia Liberty model shares its technology platform with France’s Avelia Horizon trains. Tailored for the Northeast Corridor, the trains will connect major cities from Washington, D.C., to New York and Boston.
The innovative design of the NextGen Acela includes wheel-and-axle frames located beneath the gangways between cars, creating a seamless, fully connected trainset. This configuration integrates Alstom’s proprietary Tiltronix active-tilt system, which enables higher speeds on curves—up to 30% faster than conventional high-speed trains—without compromising safety or passenger comfort.
The trains also incorporate cutting-edge features to improve Amtrak’s operational performance and energy efficiency. These include lighter materials, brake-energy regeneration, better aerodynamics, and eco-driving technology, all of which contribute to the overall sustainability and performance of the service.
Designed with passenger experience in mind, the interiors of the NextGen Acela are spacious and comfortable. Features include large windows to let in natural light, ergonomically designed seats offering ample legroom, and winged headrests for added support. The trains provide 27% more seating than Amtrak’s existing fleet and will allow for 40% more Acelas to be in operation, addressing the growing demand on the Northeast Corridor.
Other amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, individual USB ports, power outlets, reading lights, and a modern café car, ensuring passengers have a premium experience throughout their journey. With 28 NextGen Acela trains ordered, Amtrak will significantly increase capacity on the Northeast Corridor, meeting the needs of its record-setting ridership while offering a faster, more comfortable travel option for passengers.
