The future of East Coast train travel was built in the Maple City, and the future is now.
Amtrak’s new high-speed trains built by Alstom in Hornell are ready to hit the tracks.
Starting Thursday, Aug. 28, customers can travel on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela connecting the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston, Amtrak said in an Aug. 7 announcement.
NextGen Acela has a maximum speed of 160 miles per hour and features a tilt system that results in a smoother and quieter ride.
Designed with innovative features and amenities, travelers may experience First Class and Business Class travel on America’s only high-speed rail service. Amtrak said 28 brand-new trains will enter service through 2027.
“NextGen Acela is more than a new train — it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”
Amtrak said the Acela has 27% more seats per departure and expands Amtrak’s weekday and weekend schedules.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York applauded the Amtrak announcement.
“None of this would be possible without the powerhouse union workforce at Alstom in Hornell. The Southern Tier workforce is the best of the best when it comes to train production, and they are ushering in the future of rail travel for all of America,” Schumer said.
Schumer urged USDOT to green light Amtrak’s efforts to buy brand new Next Generation High-Speed trains, a necessary step to keep Alstom’s Acela contracting opportunity on track.
Alstom won a $2 billion contract with Amtrak in 2016 to build 28 Acela trainsets for Amtrak’s high speed fleet, adding an estimated 400 jobs at Alstom in Hornell. The trains’ supply chain ultimately spanned 180 suppliers across 29 states.
“I fought for years to lay the foundation and set Alstom and the Southern Tier up to land this major contract building these trains because I knew it would be a game-changer for the region – providing years of work and hundreds of good-paying jobs,” Schumer said.
Amtrak said NextGen Acela trains offer an elevated experience, with all the amenities that today’s travelers expect: free, high-speed, 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, as well as individual USB ports, power outlets and reading lights. The on-board dining experienced is being enhanced, with a selection of high-quality, fresh, food and beverages available in the new Cafe Acela, plus cart service in Business Class, Amtrak said.
In the coming months, NextGen Acela will be available to book on select departures. As the official launch date approaches, check Amtrak for more details.
What’s new at Alstom
Alstom has evolved as work on Amtrak’s high-profile NextGen Acela line was winding down.
The company opened a brand new 135,000 square foot car shell manufacturing facility in Hornell in June to service a Metra contract. Alstom and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a $2.3 billion deal to manufacture 316 commuter rail cars in July.
The company also recently exercised the second option with Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to supply propulsion components for an additional 435 new generation subway cars.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Amtrak NextGen Acela built in Hornell ready for historic launch. Here’s when.
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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