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BOSTON, MA – August 7, 2025 – Amtrak has officially launched its Next-Generation Acela service on the Boston-New York-Washington D.C.corridor, marking a significant upgrade to rail travel along the Northeast Corridor. The first revenue run took place this morning, August 7th, with the 2:05 PM departure from Boston’s South Station to new York’s Penn Station.
The new Acela fleet, manufactured by Alstom at its Hornell, New York facility, represents a $2.5 billion investment in high-speed rail. these trainsets, designated as the Avelia Liberty, boast a capacity of 532 passengers – a 30% increase over the previous Acela generation. Key features include fully adjustable, reclining seats with enhanced legroom, individual power outlets at every seat, improved wi-Fi connectivity, and larger windows for scenic views. the trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 165 mph, though current infrastructure limitations restrict operational speeds to a maximum of 150 mph between Boston and New Haven, Connecticut.
The NextGen Acela is not simply about speed and comfort; it’s a cornerstone of Amtrak’s broader modernization efforts. Beyond the Acela upgrade,Amtrak is investing in station improvements at key locations like Back Bay Station in Boston and Union Station in Washington,D.C., and is actively pursuing infrastructure upgrades along the Northeast Corridor to support higher speeds and increased frequency. The company is also modernizing its fleet of regional trains, including the Amfleet cars, with plans to replace them with advanced railcars by 2028.
For the Boston area, the arrival of the NextGen Acela is projected to create approximately 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily in manufacturing, maintenance, and operations. Amtrak anticipates a 20% increase in ridership on the Boston-New York route within the first year of operation, driven by the enhanced passenger experience and reduced travel times. The new
