New Train Rollout Brings Fresh Comfort to Amtrak Routes

Amtrak is launching a fresh set of trains this summer that will replace many older cars, some of which have run for almost half a century. The new fleet, called Airo, comes from an $8 billion deal for 83 units built by Siemens in California. This marks the biggest replacement effort since Amtrak began in 1971. The first Airo trains will hit the Pacific Northwest’s Cascades line, serving Seattle, Portland, Vancouver and Eugene. Eight trainsets are scheduled for this corridor, with more expected on the East Coast’s busy Northeast Regional line by 2027. The shift comes as Amtrak sees record ridership, with 34. 5 million trips projected for 2025. Inside the cars, passengers will notice bigger windows, brighter lights and screens that show route info. Each seat now has a power outlet, a USB‑C port, an adjustable headrest and a larger tray table. The seating layout is two on each side in coach, while business class offers a 2‑1 arrangement with extra legroom. Unlike traditional reclining seats, the new ones slide forward as they angle, a design that has mixed reviews.Accessibility has been boosted: motorized wheelchair lifts, wider aisles in some cars, and larger restrooms that allow easy turning. The trains can still reach 125 mph but may save time on routes where the locomotives switch between diesel and electric power without stopping. Capacity will increase significantly. On the Cascades line, an Airo train can seat up to 300 passengers compared with about 168 on current equipment. While Amtrak hasn’t announced fare hikes, some riders wonder if the upgraded look and amenities will raise prices. The funding for the new fleet partly comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, following Amtrak’s earlier launch of NextGen Acela trains in 2025. This rollout is part of a broader push to modernize the entire network, aiming to offer travelers a smoother and more comfortable ride across the country.