Amtrak Downeaster line's upgraded cars will have comfier seats, USB-C ports and more
Courtesy / Amtrak
A new contract gives Amtrak the opportunity to purchase an Airo trainset at some point in the future for Maine’s Downeaster route.
Amtrak’s Downeaster passenger rail service between Brunswick, Portland and Boston was included as one of 10 contract options for a new, state-of-the-art type of train cars called the Airo.
The first Amtrak Airo trainset is scheduled to debut in 2026 on the Amtrak Cascades route in the Pacific Northwest.
The arrival of the Airo for the Downeaster hasn’t been scheduled yet, a spokeperson for the company told Mainebiz.
In all, 83 Amtrak Airo units, including the latest contract option for 10 more trainsets, are under contract to be produced at Siemens in California. Siemens is a global manufacturing company headquartered in Munich, Germany.
The latest contract gives Amtrak the opportunity to purchase the 10 additional trainsets in the future.
The procurement of the new Amtrak Airo is financed by a share of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, according to a news release. The additional order 10 Airo trainsets comes as demand for passenger rail travel exceeds earlier estimtes.
Currently in production, Amtrak said features of the new trains will include:
- Spacious seats with dedicated power, USB-C ports, seatback tablet, phone holders and contoured seat cushions
- Bolder, color-coded signage to identify amenities and differentiate classes of service, onboard and on the platform
- Greater fuel efficiency, producing 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operation
- Dedicated water stations providing chilled and filtered hydration
- New 5G wifi and digital information systems
- Spacious and accessible restrooms, vestibules and café cars
- Inductive hearing technology to assist with onboard announcements
- Contemporary food service
- Enhanced lighting
- Ample storage space.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments