THIRD QUARTER 2025: Known originally as Acela II and more recently branded as NextGen Acela, Amtrak’s new Alstom high-speed trainsets are now poised to enter revenue service on the Northeast Corridor, replacing first-generation trains that entered service in 2000. Ralcon Wagner looks back at the passenger trains of Tennessee Central, a regional carrier that fought the good fight for passenger business until its last scheduled trains came off in 1955, and then burnished a reputation as a charter and excursion operator until reaching the corporate end of the line in 1968. Jonathan Boyle, Sr., recalls the post-presidential rail travels of Ike and Mamie Eisenhower, who had a particular fondness for travel aboard Santa Fe’s business cars. All this, plus insightful columns, the Journal and Rush Hour news digests, great photography, and more in the Third Quarter 2025 issue of Passenger Train Journal.
Next Generation Amtrak Acela Enters Service
NextGen Acela 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.
Amtrak NextGen Acela: Full Speed Ahead
It’s been a long wait, but Amtrak’s new high-speed NextGen Acela trains are poised to enter Northeast Corridor service.
Ike and Mamie on the Santa Fe
The Eisenhowers’ post-presidential travels usually included travel aboard their favorite railroad; the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe.
Tennessee Central: Passenger Trains on ‘The Road of Personal Service’
Passenger trains on “The Road of Personal Service” included locals and through trains serving the region in Kentucky and Tennessee.
50 Years of Amfleet
Budd’s stainless-steel stalwarts mark a half-century of successful service on Amtrak trains from coast to coast.