At Amtrak we know the future of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) depends on the investments we make today, which is why we are excited to announce the upcoming arrival of the next-generation of high-speed rail. The new trainsets will replace the current Acela Express equipment and begin service in 2021. As part of this multifaceted modernization program, Amtrak is also investing in the infrastructure needed to improve your customer experience onboard the train and in major NEC stations including Washington Union Station and Moynihan Station New York. This investment will expand and modernize the Acela Express service you've come to expect, while adding the amenities and ride quality of international high-speed train services. This next-generation of Acela Express will give you a more comfortable and productive travel experience throughout your entire journey. Just a few of the new amenities include: Approximately one-third more passenger seating, while preserving the spacious, h...

MONTREAL — Amtrak has scrapped plans to add 40 Bombardier Inc. cars to its Acela high-speed train line, judging them “too expensive” and “not based on reasonable cost.” In addition, the U.S. rail operator has decided to replace Bombardier’s entire original Acela fleet of 120 cars and 40 locomotives on the line inaugurated in 2000, the first and still only high-speed rail line in North America, linking Washington, New York and Boston. An internal report by Amtrak’s auditor-general said that after issuing a sole-source contract (to Bombardier), the railway received a proposal for the 40 cars on Feb. 27. “Given the high dollar value and Amtrak’s plan to award a sole-source contract,” the report states, “we initiated a review of the price proposal to determine whether it was based on well-supported and reasonable cost and pricing data.” Read more :

The fastest passenger trains in the USA are one step closer to New York. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $745 million in mass transit funding yesterday to improve the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor line between New York City and Trenton, N.J. READ THE STORY HERE