US railroad company Amtrak has unveiled the first visuals of its forthcoming Airo trainsets.
A US$7.3 billion agreement with California-based manufacturer Siemens Mobility was unveiled in 2021, and the first trains are set to debut in 2026.
According to Amtrak the Airo trains will feature panoramic windows, “bigger and sturdier” seat tray tables, a choice of double and single seats in business class, USB ports, onboard wifi, a redesigned café car, colour-coded wayfinding and contactless toilet controls.
The new trains will be able to travel up to 125mph, and will offer “near seamless transition between power sources where time-consuming locomotive changes were previously required”.
They will gradually be introduced across Amtrak’s network, on routes including Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
The new Airo trains will follow the debut of Amtrak’s Alstrom-built Avelia Liberty trainsets, which are due to launch in 2023.
Commenting on the news Congressman Peter DeFazio, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair, said:
“To meet the demands of travellers and address the threat of climate change, we need trains that are accessible, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $7.3 billion investment in Amtrak Airo equipment will reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector while improving the passenger experience.
“Amtrak Airo will produce less air pollution than current models and will provide an enhanced level of comfort that will attract riders.”
