They will initially operate at 160 mph, but have the ability to reach 186 mph, Amtrak said. However, your overall trip time isn't bound to improve.

Amtrak

Without major improvements to the physical railroad tracks, the trains won't be able to reach their high-speed potential, Mark Yachmetz, senior vice president for Amtrak's fleet and rail initiatives, told Business Insider.

That's because the Northeast Corridor, first built in 1976 and given minor improvements over time, can only accommodate speeds under 100 mph in most areas. Some areas of the track can't accommodate speeds above 25 mph.

As a result, trip times will remain largely the same.