Last Updated : 08/28/2025
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is the national passenger railroad company of the United States. It operates intercity rail service in every contiguous U.S. state except for Wyoming and South Dakota as well as three Canadian provinces. Amtrak is a portmanteau of the words America and track.
Founded in 1971 as a quasi-public corporation to operate many U.S. passenger rail routes, Amtrak receives a combination of state and federal subsidies but is managed as a for-profit organization.
Acela is Amtrak’s flagship, high-speed rail service in the United States, running along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C..
It is known for being the fastest train in the Americas, reaching top speeds of up to 150 mph with new trains, and offers Business and First Class service
The standard Northeast Regional train typically stops at all Amtrak stations, with open seating for Coach class. The Acela has reserved seating for all passengers, fewer stops, and a significantly reduced travel time.
The new train cars will be introduced on the Acela Express route in the Northeast, which runs from Boston through New York to Washington, D.C.
These new trains can reach a top speed of 160 mph , offering a faster and smoother ride.
with features like individual power outlets, improved Wi-Fi, and more spacious interiors.
Amtrak will start operating five of the new trains between Boston and Washington, D.C., with the remaining 27 trains entering into service through 2027, according to an Amtrak press release.
The new trains include 27 percent more seats per departure and expanded weekday and weekend schedules.
An enhanced on-board dining experience, with a selection of high-quality, fresh, food and beverages available in the new Cafe Acela, plus cart service in Business Class.
*Features of the “NextGen Acela”
・5G Wi-Fi –Stay connected with free
・At-Seat Charging – Individual power outlets conveniently located at your seat.
・Individual reading lights
・Dining on Acela-Cafe Acela offers fresh, gourmet and artisan products from health-conscious and local brands.
・Comfortable Seats – Wide, ergonomic seats with plenty of leg room and a winged privacy headrest.
・Wayfinding – Clear signs and guides to keep you moving onboard confidently.
Since not all Acela trains will be the new models when service begins, you can identify them by looking for the “NextGen” indicator on the Amtrak website.
Official Introduction Video: New NextGen Acela Train
A new era of American-made trains speeds into the Northeast Corridor
WASHINGTON – Amtrak is welcoming guests onboard America’s high-speed trains – NextGen Acela – as service began earlier this morning at 5:00 a.m. ET in Washington, DC, and at 6:00 a.m. ET in Boston for travel on the Northeast Corridor. For the first time since Acela’s debut in December 2000, new premium high-speed trainsets are now operating on the Northeast Corridor.
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