Since 27 August, the Northeast Corridor between Washington and Boston has been enjoying a new lease of life thanks to the entry into service of the fastest trains in the United States. These 28 Avelia Liberty trains, named Nextgen Acela, were ordered by the public rail company Amtrak from the French manufacturer Alstom. By 2027, they will replace older trains dating from the early 2000s. Tilting trains, the the first five trams already in service can reach speeds of up to 260 kph on classic routes, thanks to their improved inclination when cornering.
Improved comfort for business passengers
In addition to its speed, this new rolling stock will provide improved comfort and services (free wifi, electrical socket, bar, catering, etc.) in a resolutely designer décor for business passengers, who are very numerous on this line, which is the busiest and most profitable in the USA. It links the major cities of the American East CoastWashington and Boston, as well as Philadelphia and New York. Each train set can carry 27% more passengers than the old trains. This fleet will enable " run 40% more trains on the line, in response to record crowds on the North-East Corridor "says Alstom in a press release. These new trains, which run both weekdays and weekends, are clearly identified on the Amtrak application to help passengers make their choice.
A very American TGV
The Amtrak order will not affect Alstom's very full order book in Europe. Indeed, the Nextgen Acela trains are assembled in Hornell, New York and 95% of its components come from 180 suppliers in 29 American states. A good way of avoiding the customs duties imposed by Donald Trump... However, the Avelia Liberty shares the same technological platform as the Avelia Horizon ordered by SNCF. And the manufacturer is delighted with the cutting-edge technology of its models, which provide " energy efficiency, reliability and driving quality ".
If this Nextgen Acela is capable of gain 16km/h However, compared with the previous generation of trains, the journey times between Washington and New York are 3 to 7 minutes longer. This is due to work still to come on the Northeast Corridor to improve speed and regularity. Stations are also in the firing line, as the Trump administration wants to regain control of Union Station in Washington D.C. and start work on improving Penn Station in New York by the end of 2025.
