By Justin Franz of Railfan & Railroad

NEW YORK CITY — Amtrak has released renderings of the new “Airo” trains that will eventually replace Amfleet cars and older diesel locomotives on state-supported routes from coast to coast. The new trains will be built by Siemens Mobility and are expected to be put into service starting in 2026.

During a press conference in New York City on Thursday, Amtrak President Roger Harris said that the train sets would enter service on the Cascades route between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C., first before being sent to other lines. Among the routes that will get the new equipment will be the Northeast Corridor, Adirondack, Carolinian, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service (Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer), Pennsylvanian, Vermonter and Virginia Services. 

Siemens is expected to build up to 83 duel-power train sets in a deal worth $.74 billion.