WASHINGTON – Amtrak is welcoming guests onboard America’s high-speed trains – NextGen Acela – as service began on August 27 at 5:00am in Washington, D.C., and at 6:00 a.m. 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.

“Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. The future of high-speed rail starts now.”

“From the moment our guests step onboard, they’ll feel the difference of a NextGen Acela train thanks to a more modern, premium, and elevated experience,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “We are grateful for Secretary Duffy and Deputy Secretary Bradbury’s support on the project, and for helping it get over the finish line so Northeast Corridor residents and visitors can enjoy a whole new way to travel.”

“With these new Acela trainsets, Amtrak will provide more reliable service and lower prices for the American people – all while increasing the organization’s profitability,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “But we’re not stopping there. Instead of being a point of pride, Washington’s Union Station has fallen into disrepair. By reclaiming station management, we will help make this city safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost.”

—via press release