Amtrak states ‘testing issues’ as the reason for delay of new Acela fleet

Amtrak’s new generation Acela trains are banking on the theory that quality takes time. The new models were supposed to take to the tracks in 2021, but likely won’t be entering service until 2024. The company is citing testing issues as the reason for the delay.

An Amtrak spokesperson released a statement to USA Today indicating the hold-up is in their customers’ best interest.

“We want our customers to experience these new train sets as soon as possible, but Amtrak cannot operate them for passenger service until Alstom has completed testing and meet all safety requirements,” the spokesperson said to USA Today. “Based on currently available data from Alstom, the initial revenue launch is anticipated to be delayed to 2024.”

One theory for the new train’s setback is Amtrak’s old tracks. The outlet states Acela’s European-style high-speed train sets “aren’t ready for showtime on the 19th and 20th-century rail infrastructure that predominates in the U.S.”

An alleviation to the issue could be the use of funding that the Biden administration has promised to assist travel providers in upgrades. Millions of dollars can be put toward modernizing the Northeast Corridor, including bridges and tunnels around New York and Baltimore that are frequented on Amtrak routes.

The Federal Railroad Administration enacted new equipment safety standards for passenger trains in 2019. The current Acela fleet that Amtrak runs began service in 2000. The company hoped to retire that fleet in 2021 to ensure they were within regulation.

The first-generation Acela was a celebrated addition to the Amtrak roster in 2000 as it introduced new tech-based amenities, larger restrooms and seating facilities, and cheaper, faster routes.

In anticipation of its launch, the new model of the train is said to be “built to a different standard.”

“The modeling of the wheel to track interface is particularly complex due to age, condition, and specific characteristics of Amtrak infrastructure on the Northeast corridor, and especially the existing tracks,” said a spokesperson from Alstom, the company heading the train’s design. “Consequently, Alstom has been conducting extensive investigations to ensure that the trains will operate safely in all conditions, and we are working collaboratively with the FRA and Amtrak to complete modeling, simulation, and testing activities to ensure that all FRA safety requirements are fully met.”

While some of the trains are still going through the security checks, The Points Guy provided a sneak peek into the interior of the new Acela railcars.

The updated trains have improved seating areas and offer more spacious business and first-class seating arrangements. The train’s capacity is now 378 passengers. The 2000 model could only hold 304.

Unfortunately, the new seats don’t recline but offer footrests and individual armrests. Each seat offers an adjustable reading light built into the headrest and individual USB-A ports for each passenger. The railroad company is also guaranteeing faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. Amtrak has also installed more interior cameras on the cars to ensure safety.

In addition, the train completely overhauled the cafe cars. Bar-like counters have replaced the older-style cafe seating, and they now offer refrigerated boxes for grab-and-go items.

The outlet states hot food and alcoholic beverages will remain available through the attendant.

Contactless features are everywhere throughout the train, including the cafe area, bathrooms and luggage storage. Passengers will enjoy automatic doors and bathrooms with touchless sinks, soap dispensers and flushing. There are even plans to offer a self-service checkout station to the cafe. Overhead storage bins and contactless storage racks replace old overhead open storage areas.

Throughout 2023, Amtrak has been on a mission to increase accessibility for their trains and hubs and the new Acela is a perfect example. Wider entrances allow easier access for wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment. The bathrooms are also spacious and “fully Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, with enough room for a 60-inch turning diameter.”

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.

This story was originally published June 1, 2023 at 12:10 PM.