Amtrak is contracting with Alstom to produce 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets that will replace the equipment used to provide Amtrak’s premium Acela Express service. The contract is part of $2.45 billion that will be invested on the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor (NEC) as part of a multifaceted modernization program.

The new trains will operate along the Washington-Boston route initially at speeds up to 160 m.p.h. and will be capable of speeds up to 186 m.p.h. and thus will be able to take advantage of future NEC infrastructure improvements.

Amtrak is funding the trainsets and infrastructure improvements through the FRA’s Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing program that will be repaid through growth in NEC revenues. Manufactured at Alstom’s plants in New York State, the first prototypes will be ready for testing in 2019, with the first trainset entering revenue service in 2021.

—Passenger Train Journal