The first prototype of the new Acelas will be ready for testing later this year and will go into passenger service toward the end of 2022. They will carry 30% more passengers and reach 160 mph. See photos and renderings.

Amtrak has released photos and renderings of its new Acela trainsets, which are currently in production at Alstom’s Hornell, New York, plant.

The first prototype of the new Acelas will be ready for testing later this year and will go into passenger service toward the end of 2022. They will carry up to 386 passengers, a 30% increase over current Acela train cars.

The new Acela trains will initially hit speeds up to 160 mph, and will be capable of reaching up to 186 mph.

Features will include a greater selection of food service; on-board information systems with real time information, such as location and train speed; larger restrooms with a 60-inch diameter turning radius; and streamlined overhead luggage compartments.

The first prototype of the new Acelas will be ready for testing later this year and will go into passenger service toward the end of 2022. They will carry 30% more passengers and reach 160 mph. (Alstom SA 2017) Alstom SA 2017 A look at the new Acela trains in production at Alstom’s Hornell, New York, plant. (Courtesy Amtrak) Courtesy Amtrak The first prototype of the new Acelas will be ready for testing later this year and will go into passenger service toward the end of 2022. They will carry 30% more passengers and reach 160 mph. (Courtesy Amtrak) Courtesy Amtrak The new trains will display information on speed and location, as well as which seats are reserved and for how long. (Alstom SA 2018) Alstom SA 2018 The first prototype of the new Acelas will be ready for testing later this year and will go into passenger service toward the end of 2022. They will carry 30% more passengers and reach 160 mph. (Alstom SA 2017) Alstom SA 2017 The seats will be leather, with in-seat lighting. (Alstom SA 2018) Alstom SA 2018 The new trains will display information on speed and location, as well as which seats are reserved and for how long. (Alstom SA 2018) Alstom SA 2018 A look at the new Acela trains in production at Alstom’s Hornell, New York, plant. (Courtesy Amtrak) Chuck GomezCourtesy Amtrak ( 1 /8) Share This Gallery: Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. Share via email. Print.

Acela ridership has grown from 2.5 million passengers in 2002 to 3.4 million passengers last year.

Last month, Amtrak expanded Acela Express train service from D.C.’s Union Station to New York, with additional Saturday service.

The new Acela trains are part Amtrak’s $2.45 billion upgrades on the Northeast Corridor, which also includes the modernization of its passenger concourse at Union Station, with a goal of tripling passenger capacity over the next 20 years.

Upgrades also include improvements at New York’s Penn Station and further development at stations in Baltimore and Philadelphia.