Connecticut set for Amtrak Airo trains in 2027

Amtrak Airo trains are set to reach Connecticut in 2027. They are part of Amtrak’s $8 billion plan to replace aging long-distance railcars. Meanwhile, testing is already underway on the Northeast Regional line. As reported by Newstimes, the line runs through Connecticut between Washington, D.C., and Boston.

Amtrak Airo trains on the Northeast Regional

Also, Amtrak unveiled the trains at an event last month. At a press event in February, Amtrak President Roger Harris said, “This is an exciting day for Amtrak,” and added, “These trains represent the next step in Amtrak’s modernization of our entire fleet.”

Fleet features and Siemens Mobility production

The 83 Airo trains are part of Amtrak’s plan to replace older long-distance railcars. In addition, the company selected California-based Siemens Mobility to build them. It said construction involved 3,500 parts manufactured by nearly 100 suppliers in 31 states.

Don’t miss…Rail Baltica regional train fleet tender opens in Baltics

The new trains will feature panoramic windows and improved accessibility. They also will bring a 90% reduction in diesel emissions. For example, Railway Supply previously covered business-class seating with both single and double seats. Also, they will no longer require engine changes.

Connecticut speed limits and service timeline

Amtrak said the trains can reach up to 125 mph. Still, track conditions sometimes limit train speed. Eva Zymaris, a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation, acknowledged that limitation. “The New Haven Line is an older railroad with many curves, which ultimately restricts speeds through our state,” she said.

In Connecticut, the fastest a train can reach is 125 mph. That is on a section of Shore Line East. At the same time, 110 mph is possible on a Hartford Line section.

The new Airo trains will first enter service this year on the Amtrak Cascades line. It serves the Pacific Northwest corridor between Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, BC. Separately, Northeast Regional service will follow in 2027, as Amtrak Media notes. Last year, Amtrak also added NextGen Acela trains to the Northeast Corridor.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: