New Train Rollout Brings Fresh Comfort to Amtrak Routes

Amtrak is rolling out a fresh fleet of 83 Siemens‑built trains, dubbed Airo, to replace many cars that have run for nearly 50 years. This $8 billion deal marks the largest replacement effort since Amtrak’s inception in 1971.

First Stops: The Pacific Northwest

Cascades line (Seattle → Portland → Vancouver → Eugene)
8 trainsets scheduled for immediate deployment
Future expansion: East Coast’s Northeast Regional line by 2027

Ridership Surge

Projected 34.5 million trips in 2025
Airo trains aim to accommodate growing demand without raising fares

Inside the Airo

Feature	Description
Windows	Larger, panoramic views
Lighting	Brighter, adjustable LED fixtures
Displays	Route information screens on every seat
Power	Individual outlets + USB‑C ports
Seat Design	Adjustable headrests, larger tray tables; forward‑sliding reclining mechanism
Seating Layout	Coach: 2‑on‑each‑side; Business: 2‑1 with extra legroom

Accessibility Enhancements

Motorized wheelchair lifts
Wider aisles in select cars
Expanded restrooms with ample turning space

Performance & Capacity

Top speed: 125 mph (unchanged)
Potential time savings by avoiding diesel‑electric power switches
Cascades line capacity: up to 300 seats (vs. ~168 on current stock)

Funding & Context

Partly financed by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Builds on Amtrak’s 2025 launch of NextGen Acela trains

The Bigger Picture

This rollout is a key component of Amtrak’s broader strategy to modernize its entire network, delivering smoother, more comfortable travel nationwide.