Train travel in the Pacific Northwest is about to change dramatically with the arrival of Airo Trains in 2026, promising speed, comfort, and design upgrades. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

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Image: The new Amtrak Airo series trains. (photo via Amtrak Media)

Amtrak has previewed its next-generation Airo Trains, set to transform passenger experience with panoramic windows, ergonomic seats, digital displays, and faster service.

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These trains will reach speeds of up to 125 mph and include new café cars, personal lighting, and onboard Wi-Fi. While slower than Acela, Airo Trains offer a major improvement for regional routes.

Airo Trains Set to Transform Cascades Route

One of the key beneficiaries will be the Cascades line, connecting Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C. via the busy I-5 corridor.

The route urgently needs upgrades. In March, Amtrak removed 70 Horizon cars—including 26 from Cascades—due to corrosion, leaving only one train in service for weeks.

Passenger numbers have surged. Nearly 993,000 travelers rode the Cascades line in 2024, a 33% rise from 2023 and the highest annual total ever recorded.

This demand highlights the importance of introducing Airo Trains quickly. Travelers are seeking more efficient, comfortable alternatives to driving and flying.

Airo Trains Address Rising Passenger Demand

Along with the Coast Starlight, which extends to Los Angeles, Cascades offers a scenic, car-free travel option. Now, it will do so with greater comfort and modern amenities.

Amtrak’s investment in Airo Trains reflects growing regional rail demand and the company’s goal to redefine domestic train travel.

By focusing on speed, design, and service quality, Amtrak aims to make rail a preferred option across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Source: www.oregonlive.com

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