Amtrak rolls out new Airo trains this summer across multiple routes

Amtrak is putting a new fleet of passenger trains into service this summer, replacing railcars that have been in service for nearly 50 years in some cases.

The new trains, known as Airo, are part of an $8 billion order for 83 trains built by Siemens in California and represent the largest fleet replacement since Amtrak was founded in 1971. according to multiple reports.

“These trains represent the next step in Amtrak’s modernization of our entire fleet,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said at an event introducing the fleet. “These are made in America, by America, for Americans,” he added.

POPULAR CRUISE COMPANY SHUTS DOWN SUDDENLY, RELEASING UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

The revision comes as Amtrak is on pace to hit record ridership with 34.5 million passenger trips expected in 2025, the company announced late last year. The new trains are intended to modernize service along several major corridors, starting with the Pacific Northwest.

The first Airo trains will arrive in Seattle this summer; Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Eugene, Oregon. Eight trainsets are planned for Cascades.

Additional Airo trains will eventually operate on East Coast routes, including the busy Northeast Regional line; Testing is expected to begin later this year, and passenger service is planned for 2027.

‘SAFETY-RELATED SITUATION’ REGARDING FLIGHT TO HOLIDAY HOTSPOT, PASSENGERS FELT IT FOR HOURS

The most notable changes for travelers will be inside the cars.

Instead of reclining backwards, the new seats slide forward as they are adjusted; This design received mixed reviews early on. (Amtrak)

The redesigned interiors feature larger windows, brighter lighting and overhead digital displays that display route information. Each seat will include a standard power outlet and USB-C port, as well as individual reading lights, adjustable headrests and larger tray tables, according to a news release.

On the bus, seats are arranged two on each side of the aisle, while business class has a two-and-one layout with wider seats and more legroom.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Instead of reclining backwards in the traditional sense, the new seats slide forward as the angle changes; this design sparked mixed reactions from some early reviewers.

“Unfortunately, the bottom of the seats slides forward rather than reclining like on the NextGen Acela trains.” Review by The Points Guy noted. “This results in less legroom when ‘reclined’ and some taller passengers may find this uncomfortable.”

Redesigned interiors feature larger windows, brighter lighting and digital route information displays. (Amtrak)

“The thing that I was disappointed about, but then kind of reassured, was the reclining of the seats,” said rail and transit content creator Alan Fisher. YouTube video After visiting the train.

CLICK FOR MORE LIFE STORIES

Fisher also noted the expanded overhead storage area.

“We were surprised that we had to fight for overhead bin space,” he said.

Accessibility upgrades are another important component of the redesign. The trains will have built-in motorized wheelchair lifts, wider aisles in certain carriages, accessible cafe carriages and toilets large enough for wheelchair users to turn around.

The Airo fleet represents the largest train replacement program since Amtrak was founded in 1971. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Trains will continue to run at speeds of up to 195 kilometers per hour, meaning they will not be classed as high-speed rail. But Amtrak officials say time savings could be achieved on some routes because the new locomotives can switch between diesel and electric power without requiring an engine change.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

But the new fleet is designed to increase capacity. According to reports, each Airo train on the Cascades route will seat up to 300 passengers, compared to approximately 168 seats in the current equipment.

Amtrak has not announced any fare increases associated with the launch of its Airo fleet, but some customers are concerned that the new, higher-end look and amenities could mean it will be more expensive. According to TheTravel.com.

Amtrak’s new Airo trains will begin service this summer. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

“Looking at the luxury look as well as the size and space allotted for these seats, the cost of the trip would have to be high for the train to cover its expenses,” one netizen predicted.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Part of the funding for the new fleet comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Amtrak said.

This deployment follows Amtrak’s initial rollout of NextGen Acela trains in the Northeast Corridor in 2025 and reflects a broader effort to modernize aging equipment across the national network.