Alstom celebrated the debut of Amtrak's high-speed NextGen Acela on the Northeast Corridor. 

Built by Alstom in the U.S., the train will operate at speeds of up to 160 miles per hour, making it the fastest train in America and modernizing one of the busiest and economically vital rail lines in the country, according to company officials.

Combining best-in-class technology with modern design, each of the 28 new trains offers 27% more seating than Amtrak’s previous Acelas and will provide a faster, elevated, and more comfortable service to more riders than ever before. 

“Today marks a pivotal moment for American rail as we unveil the NextGen Acela, a testament to homegrown innovation and our commitment to revitalizing U.S. manufacturing," said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. "These trains, built by skilled American workers in Hornell, are not just about speed; they symbolize our dedication to bringing the world’s best rail technology to the United States and supporting economic growth across the nation.”

“Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service,” added Amtrak President Roger Harris. “On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. The future of high-speed rail starts now.” 

Enhanced Speed, Efficiency 

The Avelia Liberty model, developed specifically for the U.S., shares its technology platform with the next generation of France’s Avelia Horizon trains. 

Specifically adapted for the Northeast Corridor, the NextGen Acela will connect major cities from Washington, D.C. to New York to Boston. Its design features wheel-and-axle frames located beneath the gangways between cars, forming a single, fully connected trainset. 

The configuration supports Alstom’s proprietary Tiltronix active-tilt system, which maintains a smooth and stable ride while allowing speeds up to 30% higher on curves compared to conventional high-speed trains, without compromising safety or passenger comfort, according to Alstom officials.

The train also incorporates innovative features that enhance Amtrak's operational performance and energy efficiency, including lighter-weight components, brake energy regeneration, improved aerodynamics, traction drive efficiency, and eco-driving technology.

The train's interiors are designed to enhance the passenger experience. They feature expansive windows that allow in natural light, high-quality ergonomically designed seats for maximum legroom and comfort, and winged headrests for extra support. This design ensures superior comfort and spaciousness while providing 27% more seating than the current fleet. 

Amtrak’s purchase of 28 trains will enable it to run 40% more Acela trains than it currently does, responding to record-setting ridership on the Northeast Corridor.

Additional features include free high-speed Wi-Fi, individual USB ports, power outlets, reading lights, and a modern cafe car.

Made in America

The Avelia Liberty trains were manufactured by American labor in the historic rail hub of Hornell, New York, where Alstom invested over $87 million and leveraged millions in federal and state grants to build the largest dedicated passenger rail manufacturing facility in the U.S. to complete this project.

At its peak, the project employed more than 800 people in Hornell, approximately 40% of whom were members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) union, as well as another 400 employees in Rochester, New York, according to company officials. 

To complete the Avelia Liberty project, Alstom also established an extensive supply chain comprising 180 businesses across 29 states, which is expected to create an estimated 15,000-plus jobs nationwide, according to the company. 

The project not only reinforced Upstate New York’s legacy as a center for American rail, but also helped strengthen America’s domestic manufacturing capacity in rail, with 95% of the Avelia Liberty’s components sourced from U.S. suppliers.

Partnering for the Life of the Vehicle

Alstom’s commitment extends beyond the delivery of the trains. To help Amtrak optimize the total lifecycle costs of its trains and ensure top-performing trains for passengers, Alstom will continue to work with Amtrak under a Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement that runs for 15 years, with an option to renew for an additional 15 years. 

Under this agreement, Alstom will provide parts for preventative and corrective maintenance, component overhauls, training, maintenance, and support to maximize fleet availability. 

Equipped for condition-based and predictive maintenance, Alstom has embedded nearly 100 sensors in each train set to monitor wear and tear and predict when critical parts need servicing or replacement. 

Alstom has also guaranteed that it will supply any spare part within eight hours of its need.