Introducing the New Amtrak Airo Trains

[@pacificostudios]

I like the door design -- Amtrak is going for a clean European look; it looks like these will be plug doors, which are not common on American passenger trains. The red-white-blue scheme is fantastic, and will get a lot of attention.

[@OnTheRailwayOfficial]

They don't look like European intercity trains at all!?

[@pacificostudios]

@@OnTheRailwayOfficial- I'm talking about the doors. Since Metroliner, most American passenger trains have had sliding doors. Before that, regular hinged doors. (Superliners have hinged doors.) Plug doors are typical of European trains. Quieter, because they seal out wind better.

[@teddynielsen]

@@OnTheRailwayOfficial they look similar to the ÖBB RailJet (Austria).

[@ARod4374]

@@teddynielsen Even better, they're basically an adaptation of Railjet sets to American loading gauge and FRA standards.

[@himbourbanist]

Siemens has done a great job with the venture coaches and it's really exciting to see Amtrak go all in

[@bryanCJC2105]

These kind of look like the new Canada Via Rail train sets. It's really nice to see Amtrak join the 21st century. I rode the Amtrak San Joaquin earlier this year and it was a very nice ride. I agree with you. I love trains with color. I really loved the CTA L cars that were done up in the vintage green/cream livery. Those were beautiful.

[@Thom-TRA]

There’s a CTA train on the Blue Line right now with the green and white coloring! I’m publishing a video soon. And yeah, I think these are like a bigger and more complicated version of the VIA trains. I’m glad to see some train sets on this Continent for a change.

[@jonathanj8303]

They're a version of the same Siemens product line as the VIA ones.

[@jonathanj8303]

@@TohaBgood2 True. I always wondered why brightline didn't go for push-pull sets, at least on the initial four car configurations, but I guess the higher power to weight might be good for making best use of what chunks of faster track they have. And given the number of grade crossing incidents they've had, they and their drivers are probably grateful for always having a loco leading.

[@himbourbanist]

these really are the exact kind of refresh that Amtrak needs, particularly in the Northeast. Cannot WAIT to get on the Keystone Service or the NER at 30th Street Station and see one of these pull up. I'll miss the tin cans a bit (I've grown really fond of stainless steel American trains) but there's definitely plenty of those to go around still.

[@FalconsEye58094]

Something like this was needed most of all on the northeast corridor, I feel like the new trains will make people more excited to take it. We’ll see how much the comfort level changes, as just a ride down to Washington on the Amfleet is not the most comfortable. Maybe they’ll also give several other great routes a boost

[@FalconsEye58094]

@@TohaBgood2 thing is though, the cities have changed and have been bulldozed for the car. So I hope its not too little too late

[@dexteralexander2437]

Thom, I watched both Amtrak’s Airo video and yours. Your video is more informative than Amtrak’s, plus your video hit KZbin an hour earlier than Amtrak’s, the time stamps say. Good job!

[@Thom-TRA]

Hahaha, this is my favorite comment! Thank you!

[@dennisforner6090]

Thanks for the update Thom - I fully agree re the new livery looks 'awesome'. It will be interesting to see if Amtrak will stick with the artist's impression for the new interiors? Great to see dual capabilities - provide a much quicker & smoother transition as well as improved travel time. I also like the livery for the proposed new Cascade trains. In relation to the name Airo I could only find that it is a Greek word meaning 'lifted up' or 'exalted'. As they say 'it's all Greek to me"..

[@Thom-TRA]

😂😂 “Greeks invented trains,” the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding would say! I’m excited for these trains. I wonder if there will be an option to order more if Amtrak expands service.

[@dennisforner6090]

@@Thom-TRA Too funny - loved that movie. Amtrak certainly appears to be getting on with the job of both expanding its services & updating its train fleet & rail infrastructure in ita NE corridor.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@dennisforner6090 your love for that movie is something you and Lindsey have in common!

[@Dondo_Golden_Rose]

It feels like we are returning back to the era of creating modern streamlined passenger trains.

[@Thom-TRA]

And that’s a good feeling

[@cooltrainsinmontreal4883]

And we are returning to a near standard North American passenger train 75 years ago every railroad had EMD F units, and Budd stainless steel coaches, now the Charger and Venturer cars are the must have for passenger trains

[@russellgxy2905]

@@cooltrainsinmontreal4883 And it'll be the first instance of locomotives and trains sharing builders since the Aerotrain (huh...fitting). The closest example in recent memory would've been Keystone Services hauled by AEM-7's, since their bodyshells were built by the same firm as the Amfleets and Metroliners

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Thank you Thom! Can't wait to see and experience these trains in person! I'll obviously have to wait a bit!

[@louiszhang3050]

These renders are AMAZING. Literally these trains look better than a lot of trains I've been on in Asia (and also the ones I've seen from Europe, but I've never been to Europe myself), and that's crazy because I'm talking about Amtrak. Talk about a monumental leap. Surely these will serve Amtrak for a long time and attract many new customers, wonderful work. Can't wait to ride these on the NEC. But then there are battery locomotives... WHY. Just electrify stuff.

[@anitrain]

I liked the Venture car seats when I rode the Brightline. That was the nicest train I've ever been on.

[@Thom-TRA]

Those are very nice!

[@TFSIChristmas]

@@TohaBgood2 Ignore the haters.

[@alex3yoyo]

They also usually run on the 350 and 355 wolverines trains, they are indeed quite nice! I especially like the dedicated bike racks

[@omarm-510]

Siemens is a great company and boy these are long overdue! So glad America is finally taking train travel seriously. Amtrak needed a huge upgrade and hopefully it can be profitable but it should be subsidized and I don't think it should be strictly profits

[@douglasconnolly6357]

0:32-0:35 "... and there going to be built by semen????!!!!!!" Oh, Siemens. I had to listen to that a second time!

[@jmajette2]

I like that the armrests between the seats have been restored! 😊

[@bobbyswanson3498]

really excited to see these come to north carolina. i think seeing such a futuristic looking train pull into raleigh union station will really catch some eyes and entice people to consider train travel

[@TheMetGuy]

These trainsets are just beautiful

[@brianhubert8418]

These look amazing. But I'll admit I'm perplexed about the battery varient. The Empire Service, my home line, is definitely busy enough to warrant real electrification at least NYP-ALB in phase one. Any equipment would have to work on both OCS and the NYC 700 volt Underunning third-rail from Spuyten Duyvl to Croton-Harmon But there's so many upsides to more electrification from performance, lineside noise, the environment and lighter equipment that's easier on the track. I hope those in power really consider real electrification for more Amtrak corridors over the next few years. I like the dual-mode pantograph-diesel-electric ones though. They could allow Amtrak and its state-partners to phase in OCS where funding and the will and imagination are, at least on publicly owned trackage and then use the diesel-mode to bridge the gaps.

[@Thom-TRA]

Hey, I’m team electrification all the way. Here in Chicago we’re getting 40 YEAR OLD locomotives converted to battery power. Which is going to be a disaster. Also, you live near a beautiful train line. I loved my trip on the Lake Shore Limited last year.

[@stephenlaarkamp7344]

The way I've understood the idea is for it to be the el-cheapo route of running Empire Service trains using the Empire connection going into Penn Station, so instead of electrifying it (the sensible option, whether 3rd rail or catenary wire), the trains will operate on battery power charged by regenerative braking for use in Penn Station. I do agree, it is a dumb idea, and that the Empire Service should be electrified, at least mostly, but at the very least, it seems easy to gut the batteries and alter the train for catenary or third rail electric if they finally decide to electrify the Empire Connection, or the rest of the line for that matter.

[@St0rmcrash]

There are two reasons, one is that CSX owns most of the track so they get final say on electrification. Second is that Amtrak wants to keep their backup option to run the trains into Grand Central if the empire connection to Penn gets closed. Grand Central has a diesel ban in the tunnels and only has custom third rail for electric, and some of that same 3rd rail was put on the empire connection tracks in Penn to allow the 3rd rail equipment to work. The batteries allow operating into either station without relying on the third rail

[@gregwhitney8820]

It's nice to see a picture of what's to be built for the Empire Corridor, and other trains north from NYP. Definitely, electrify the line into NYP. And Croton-Harmon to at least Schenectady. West of Schenectady is more problematic, since the Water Level Route picks up the CSX freight traffic from Selkirk. Finally, there are ideas floating around to electrify CSX Buffalo Exchange St.-Niagara Falls, maybe run commuter trains over it, along with Empire Service and the Maple Leaf.

[@InternetKilledTV21]

Totally agree as a NY canal resident. JIT power just makes more sense both from a utility sense and track maintenance sense. I can say with confidence there was no intelligent life involved in that decision. Deeefinitely only check-cutting.

[@michaelscott5155]

Thanks!

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome!

[@LouisChang-le7xo]

Honestly multiple units are proably a good idea

[@japanesetrainandtravel6168]

Great news for Amtrak. As you know, VIA Rail will be introduce its own Siemens sets - but recently Ontario Northland also ordered three sets

[@TWIGYBNSF]

Very nice! I kinda get the vibe that the new train reminds me of the X2000 from the 1990's testing. One power unit on one end and the other end is a cab coach like the X2000. I think it's a brilliant idea! I complemented this to Amtrak via social media and they said, "A classic feel combined with modern comforts."

[@CreightonRabs]

Hopefully that means these sets will also show up on the Heartland Flyer between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth. The Superliner cars on that route seem to be a little overkill for such a small route and the Airo sets would be a much better fit.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Excellent video Thom, very informative and this is a massive step forwards for Amtrak! 🥰

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@plymouthlad38]

These new trains look good, more along the lines of trains I am more used to in the UK. As much as I enjoy using Amtrak there are things they could improve, but I do accept they are not helped by the fact they do not own most of the track they have to use and have to give way to freight traffic. Even so I hope to be able to use some of these newer trains on future trips to the US. I do like the double deck Metra and Amtrak trains, it is something we never seen in the UK. I hope you can do videos in the UK one day to go alongside your Dutch and Japanese videos. There is so much history on the London Underground / Tfl. We do not have the truly long distance trains Amtak have but we have 2 sleeper services from London, either upto Scotland or down to my home region of Devon & Cornwall. There is something very distinctive about the whistle / bells used on American trains. Just hearing the sound on your videos reminds me of trips to Chicago and Boston. Look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for this wonderful news ! The new livery is stunning, and I can’t wait to see a complete rake of these carriages running into Baltimore and Washington D.C !

[@tritiumlabs373]

I’m glad Amtrak is finally getting some nicer looking cars and locos, the old ones don’t look bad necessarily but these new one are so much more modern and just look more on par with the equipment in Europe and Asia

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m excited to see them irl

[@TerryWaddell-p4b]

Thank you, Tom, for the update compared to Amtrak. That has helped a lot. I'm so excited and can't wait to get on the new train from Charlotte, North Carolina to New York or gonna Southbound to Florida a least it will be much faster than the old one again thanks, Tom ✨❤️☝️🇺🇸

[@torikicklighter1191]

Looks great…so great to see a much better paint design one that is colorful, bright and cheerful!!!!

[@jackjohnson2101]

Thanks for showing the Kalamazoo train station.

[@Thom-TRA]

It’s a good station!

[@TransportNut89]

Reminds me of the mark 5 sets used on Transpennine Express in the UK

[@TheMetGuy]

Those Airo sets look awesome, Thanks for the info

[@dennisthebrony2022]

I think the C-Series ALC-42E will also have third rail shoes built in the locomotive itself as well, so they can be used to pull Long Distance Amtrak Trains (Like the LakeShore Limited) into Penn Station, to replace the P32AC-DMs on that service

[@Thom-TRA]

They’re going to use battery for that, not third rail shoe. None of them will have third rail shoes.

[@dennisthebrony2022]

@@Thom-TRA then how are the LakeShore Limited locomotives gonna be replaced?

[@Thom-TRA]

The Airo isn’t for overnight trains like the Lake Shore Limited. It’s for daytime trains.

[@dennisthebrony2022]

@@Thom-TRA So will they eventually order standalone ALC-42E Dual-Modes to replace the remaining P32AC-DMS hauling the Lake Shore Limited on the Albany to Penn Station segment?

[@Thom-TRA]

@dennisthebrony2232 I don’t know, by then it may be time for a whole new generation of locomotives

[@powgames]

4:03 These seats look pretty similar to those used on the ICE 4 or those on the upcoming ICE L, at least based on their back- and headrests shape ^^ I'm very excited to see more about the Airos overall, not really sure what to think of the C-sets tho, why not just use 3rd rail or install catenary? Anyway, great to see some progress for you guys overseas and greetings from Germany!

[@Thom-TRA]

I love riding the ICE! I used to live in the Netherlands so I would ride the ICE 3 between Amsterdam and Utrecht on occasion. Excited for the ICE L, did you see the first pictures of it recently?

[@powgames]

@@Thom-TRA Yes i did, thats why i think the interior is comparable to that in the new american trains ^^ and not just the Interior, the ICE L as a push-pull train is fairly similar to the Airo and will fulfill sort of the same role :)

[@Thom-TRA]

@@powgames is it still the plan to use Talgo locomotives, or are they using Vectrons?

[@powgames]

@@Thom-TRA Yes :D In 2024 they will put the cars in service and put vectrons in front of it and in 2025 Talgo "plans" to deliver their locos. On unelectrified lines, dual mode vectrons will pull the trains, even when the Talgos are there...

[@flashrocket9158]

I can imagine what the overnight services would bring us.

[@Davo32795]

i hope the hybrid design means we can see more electrifed lines where amtrak or the states owns the rail.

[@railfanning.productions]

Awesome video! I can't wait to see these trains in action!

[@Thom-TRA]

I can’t wait either!

[@christopherreiff3192]

What would be cool when the Airo sets arrive, the ACS-64 locomotives 667-670 would move to California between San Francisco and San Jose for California Zephyr and Coast Daylight and shunting Amtrak cars at night in the right order for them to depart San Francisco at the morning if they expanded to San Francisco, also, The ACS-64 locomotives 600-665 would do Shunting Amtrak cars and lead Ballast in the NEC and parts of Keystone Corridor, and leading Silver service, Crescent and Cardinal between NY and D.C

[@Perich29]

Those old Am Fleet cars send them to Arizona so we can use them for starter trains on the route from Phoenix to Tucson.

[@saphirengine]

Thanks for the info!

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome!

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

1:40I actually went on the RailJet three years ago and when I saw these new Amtrak trains, I thought,"Hey, they seem to have done the same thing as they did to the RailJet"!

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

awesome new sub thx for the update.😊😊👍👍

[@sebastianbarthel2393]

It's like in Switzerland where the control car has the same front design like the locomotive. I live in germany but control cars belongs here to the extinct Species.

[@hirampriggott1689]

Is a control car a bad thing? Why would you need two locomotives when one can do the job?

[@ArtisticHH57]

2:50 is that the newton Junction crossing in New Hampshire? If yes, I’ve been there! Also, I’m going to miss seeing a train with the word “ Downeaster” written on the front of those trains

[@RailfanTurner]

Terrific video and news!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you! I’m excited

[@RailfanTurner]

@@Thom-TRA Yep! You’re Welcome!

[@Rebelnightwolfe]

I see Amtrak is still reluctant to do all electrification. At least most if not all of the tin cans will finally be replaced with a more modern fleet.

[@hirampriggott1689]

Most rail routes Amtrak runs on are owned by privately owned freight rail companies like CSX & BNSF. These companies do whatever they want.

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

I'm so happy this is finally happening because a lot has to be changed

[@Thom-TRA]

I see you’ve adjusted your profile pic accordingly haha

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

​@@Thom-TRA because I was so obsessed with that beautiful look on these Airo trains

[@strredwolf]

My guess on the "Airo" is that it harkens back to Amtrak's old "arrow" logo... and to their current ARROW ticketing system. Still, if you can do push-pull and not swap engines, even better.

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s a clever thought. Maybe they wanted to name it Arrow but Metrolink beat them to it?

[@edwardjones4870]

Thom: A few hours ago I read an article about the new train sets in the online Washington Post. I wondered whether you were aware of the Amtrak announcement and, not to my surprise, you were right on top of it. I don’t know why they are called Airo. Coincidentally, they share a name, albeit a different spelling, with the Eero trains at Dulles Airport that were named after Eero Saarinen, the architect who designed Dulles. On another subject, you may have noticed the “missing tooth” in the Northern Virginia section of the Washington Metro map. As a longtime DC resident, I can tell you the story behind that. I haven’t seen a video on Metro where I could post the latter, so if there is a way I can communicate directly with you, please let me know. Many thanks for all your wonderful videos!

[@edwardjones4870]

Please note that I did NOT mean your personal email address.

[@RoboKnight37]

Hi I'm New. Do you have any videos talking about the Amtrak expansion in Tennessee

[@Thom-TRA]

No, sorry. I don’t think there are any concrete plans yet, just ideas.

[@RoboKnight37]

@Trains Are Awesome Thank you for the reply. Alright thanks yeah I was just wondering. Here recently I started to like the idea of trains. And they can be a lot cheaper than driving. But part of me wishes there was an expansion Of the Railway system itself. But say for example since we're talking about Tennessee. There was a train that went to Nashville. But where I actually wanted to visit was a smaller town. 2 hours away. Well then I would have to pay all of the costs too renting a car. So in that case I might as well drive the whole thing.

[@iamme453]

Interesting. Why (excluding phenomenal expense) has electrification not been extended through to Florida? I'm being Devil's Advocate here. BUT, isn't most of Europe electrified?

[@Daniel-hj8el]

Lets hope the seat coushin on new Airo train little or no difference from padded Amfleet coaches - business class cars 🤞

[@OfficialSEIC2K6]

Amtrak has revealed new trainsets to replace their outdated passenger cars. They're called the Airo. They are getting another colorful era.

[@cycloid2326]

I still can’t wrap my head around why Amtrak thought putting battery tenders on Empire Corridor trains was a better idea than electrifying the Empire connection, which there are plans to do anyway to get Hudson line trains into Penn Station, and should be done regardless!

[@AutumnBosco]

Even worse, the empire connection already has active catenary wires! All main tunnels in/out of Penn Station have third rail and catenary, including the empire connection. So it just makes no sense why they are getting the battery ones when the infrastructure already exists for getting a pantograph equipped train from the empire corridor in to Penn.

[@richmartin1427]

@@AutumnBosco I thought the same thing. The overhead goes as far as the third rail so this would make more sense.

[@richmartin1427]

@@TohaBgood2 they currently use dual mode p32 on the Empire Service as these have third rail shoes and the electrification on the west side connector only goes outside the penn station tunnel. After the line meets up with the Hudson line at Spuyten Duyvil the line is electrified with third rail as far as croton-Harmon, but with underrunning third rail as opposed to overrunning third rail. All other service in penn station uses overhead catenary, and any trains using penn that go beyond electrification limits change to a diesel locomotive, usually at DC union station or New Haven.

[@marcogeurts9881]

Die AIRO rijtuigen lijken bizar veel op de Railjet rijtuigen

[@Thom-TRA]

Tja, als ze door de zelfde fabrikant gebouwd worden… ze zijn wel wat breder en waarschijnlijk iets comfortabeler, dat is dan weer het voordeel van treinen hier in de VS.

[@TheMetGuy]

When these awesome train sets enter service in 2025 I might ride one, The horn should still be a K5LA

[@TerryWaddell-p4b]

The new trains arrived in 2026 not 2025.

[@JamesTrifolium]

A - Amtrak I - Intercity R - Regional O - Overcrowding

[@billtherailfanner455]

These New Trains Look Amazing In My Opinion. The Exterior And Interior Looks Awesome. I Can’t Wait For These To Enter Service In 2025.

[@Thom-TRA]

I can’t wait either!

[@bnsflover7062]

Eh

[@billtherailfanner455]

@@bnsflover7062 I Know There Are People Who Think These New Trains Are Boring Or Ugly Or Both, But Don't Forget People Said The Same Things About The Genesis Locomotives When They Were New, And Now As Of 2022, Many People Got Used To Them And Now Like Them. The Same Thing Will Happen With The Chargers, There Will Be People Who Will Not Like Them At First, But Then They Will Get Used To Them Over Time And Will Appreciate Them More Than They Did At First. While I Am Sad To See The Genesis Locomotives Retire, But Not Everything Can Last Forever. That Is Why Locomotives Get Replaced By Newer Ones Over Time. There Are Positives About These Trains, They Are More Better For The Environment, They Have Faster Acceleration, And Are A Bit Fast With A Top Speed Of 125 Miles Per Hour. I Am Not Trying To Be Mean Here, I Am Just Explaining My Opinion, If You Still Don't Like These New Trains, I Respect Your Opinion.

[@chromediesel444]

Sounds fitting they would recieve the first few batches right before FIFA 2026.

[@nixcails]

I'm going to pop my Parliament hat on and make a few points of order. - AIRO I can only assume since nothing in the Oxford English Dictionary points towards it is a makers/operators brand for the new units. Siemens seem to have this o suffix thing going on with Desiro, Desiro City going on. - as for RailJet it's actually a shared brand used across central Europe mainly but push/pull loco Driving carriages/DVT (Driving Van Trailors) are common across Europe from Ireland towards the Eastern curtain. The concept of having a diesel motor car and an electric pantograph on another is not uncommon but I guess since the Amfleet design goes back to the Penn Central Metroliners of the 1960's this will appear to be quite revolutionary. My intercity has pantographs on the loco (driving car) at each end with diesel generating motors under the passenger cars. Of course the idea of just hooking up to the juice wire is good in theory but there will have to be enough juice in the wire to service existing and new services. Why some GB Bi-Modes still operate diesel under the wire until power supply upgrades are done. As regard the seats. It's like a new bed or a sofa. The old stuff was nicely worn in. The new stuff is still a bit firm on the back and backside. Also I don't know if the same crash and impact assessment apply to Amtrak than in the EU but seat design has had to change to allow for accident safety.

[@Amtrakrailfan-k9k]

Nice

[@Thom-TRA]

Very nice

[@gerogyzurkov2259]

It makes sense to do something similar that reviewers say is one of the best intercity and best sleeper trains in all of Europe.

[@raleighsheffield841]

Was on an OBB Railjet as recently as October this year. Definitely one of the finest and most comfortable train sets in Europe and I've ridden nearly all of the high speed trains in Europe. While Railjet's top speed is only 143 mph it makes up for its "slow" speed by being extremely comfortable.

[@Thom-TRA]

My last trip on the Railjet was in 2018. 10 hour trip from Zürich to Budapest, and it flew by (pun intended). Great trains, excited for the Amtrak version.

[@gerogyzurkov2259]

@@TohaBgood2 They need to get Nightjet rolling stock also.

[@CTrail1711]

Where is the press conference available?

[@Thom-TRA]

In the links in the description!

[@vader97100]

Does this mean the Sprinter ACS-64’s will no longer be needed and sold since the Airo train sets will have Phantographs?

[@Thom-TRA]

I believe most of them will. They’ll need to keep some for trains like the Crescent, Silver Service, Cardinal, and Vermonter.

[@JStock1032]

I can't find how many seats in each coach. Any help?

[@Thom-TRA]

I don’t know if that’s known yet

[@MrMarshmallow26]

Depends on which variation each car gets. Economy has 69/72 seat options with 1/2 wheelchair space options, Business has two variations of 49 seats and 1 wheelchair space (one variation is the APV/Battery car), the cab car has three Economy variations with 34/52/52 seats and 1 wheelchair space in each variation. The cab car variation with 34 seats appears to have baggage compartments. And then there's the cafe car with 22 seats and 2 wheelchair spaces. All this info can be found on a Siemens assets PDF by searching "Siemens Venture PDF" and selecting the PDF titled "VENTURE TRAINSETS Redefining the intercity rail experience" -- Cascades also has a few additional variations by scrolling down more. Hope this helps.

[@TheRailwayDrone]

Airo comes from the Greek which means to lift. And I cannot wait either. Hopefully we won't have any of the issues on the east coast that they seem to be having in the midwest.

[@Thom-TRA]

What do trains have to do with lifting things though?

[@TheRailwayDrone]

@@Thom-TRA The hell if I know. You gotta ask Amtrak about that lol...

[@TheRailwayDrone]

@@TohaBgood2 I've been on those Railjets and I absolutely LOVED IT!

[@nolantherailfan5048]

This is so exiting

[@Thom-TRA]

Very exciting

[@jeff7597]

I doubt it's really a factor in why they're already allocating new sets to the Downeaster (as opposed to just replacing the aging Amfleet Is), but an interesting thought at least is that if Boston ever does build the North South Rail Link, I'd venture (no pun intended) a guess that Amtrak will either make the Downeaster a northern extension of some Regional trains, or at least through run it to NYC as kind of a New England version of the Keystone.

[@CreightonRabs]

The problem is that when Massachusetts went ahead with the "Big Dig" highway project, there was talk of a north-south rail link connecting the two MBTA regional rail systems, but that fell through due to money problems (because, of course). Talk about a missed opportunity...

[@xiii-Dex]

There's a proposal to electrify the MBTA commuter system by 2040, including the MBTA tracks that the Downeaster uses by 2024. So at least part of the route could be done before these trains even are running. Of course, that's if the bill passes, and as with anything you never know what the whims of funding will be.

[@michaelcreek3813]

Seems like they named the B and C series backwards. B should be the battery trains, C should be catenary trains, and then D for diesel.

[@Thom-TRA]

That is an excellent point

[@christopherreiff3192]

Are there gonna be some other upgrades for some other services besides the ones that where included for this video

[@Thom-TRA]

They are ordering new cars for long distance services

[@christopherreiff3192]

Oh okay, im sure the ALC-42 will still be the main locomotive for all of these long distance trains in the future@@Thom-TRA

[@drgwnut]

Thom - Do you think the long distance (i.e., sleeper) trains will get some sort of variant of these? Thanks for the updates!

[@Thom-TRA]

They are working right now to prepare an order for double-deck long distance cars. These will replace the Superliners. As for the Amfleet IIs, the cars we see on single-floor long distance trains, I think those will stick around for a while.

[@TheFarix2723]

@@Thom-TRA I thought the development of new double-decker cars was canceled after a test car miserably failed a structural safety test. I figure that Amtrak will instead adopt a variation of the NightJet's sleepers and have a more consistent-looking fleet.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@TheFarix2723 those were for regional trains in California and the Midwest, about 10 years ago. They were replaced by the venture cars. This is completely separate.

[@BeeBee-pl9ly]

@@Thom-TRA any reason why mid west and west get more newer trains than the NEC area?

[@Sidicas]

Airo because of air suspension between the wheels and the cabin for a lot smoother ride?

[@Ghfvhvfg]

Idk probaly

[@petterzachrisson2746]

AIRO, Amtrak intercity rapid operation, maybe?

[@mateojames3231]

AIRO Amtrak Inter Regional Operations.

[@meltrain]

These are nice trains. I just don't understand why the electrical equipment is in a coach instead of the locomotive.

[@LakeCountyRails2022]

I wish I could see them on the Hiawatha

[@Thom-TRA]

There should be venture cab cars coming on the Hiawatha soon

[@LakeCountyRails2022]

@@Thom-TRA oh thank goodness

[@Dogod2]

Maybe Amtrak will help MBTA with electrification - Maura Healey (our incoming Governor) has talked about electrifying commuter rail here.

[@josefw.1934]

They should throw one on the heartland flyer, i mean its got one loco on both ends because they can’t turn it around, so the airo would replace it perfectly

[@Thom-TRA]

I don’t think it’s part of the plan, but these would be good for that! Probably good for the new Gulf Coast service as well.

[@divox9pqr]

It would seem practical to use the B1 dual power train set with long distance services running the NE route…ie Silver Meteor/Star, Crescent, and Cardinal. That way they wouldn’t need to change engines in Washington DC. This would save time. Maybe you can explain Amtrak’s logic here.

[@Thom-TRA]

The cars used on overnight trains (Amfleet II, Viewliner I & II) are not as old as the cars being replaced here. I think given their age it wasn’t worth spending the extra money to develop a sleeper variant of these cars.

[@AussieTrainsVlogs]

I would of preferred more talgo trains for the cascades.

[@kevinhoward9593]

LOL never clicked on a video so fast. they look like the Via Rail corridor trains. this will make the historic engine change in DC useless.

[@Thom-TRA]

I am honored haha. They’re very similar to the VIA trains!

[@gregwhitney8820]

Thus, their use on the Northeast Regional extensions to Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond and Roanoke. And Virginia and CSX are partnering to expand capacity on the Washington-Richmond line, for freight, Amtrak and VRE.

[@TheFigsTravel]

When is this trainset going to start rolling on the San Joaquin?

[@Thom-TRA]

It won’t be running on the San Joaquin

[@TheFigsTravel]

That sucks! I've been waiting on it since I saw this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnPo6urqZmKmdk

[@Thom-TRA]

Those are different trains actually, but very similar!

[@brooklynelite5428]

This time Train set is beautiful as well as the old acela I can't say too much about the dolphin face not matching train set. What would have been nice is if the whole entire amtrak network was electrified.

[@lukethompson5558]

So EVERY one of them will have a diesel locomotive? Even the ones running DC-NYC-BOS, where there’s full electrification??!

[@Thom-TRA]

Many of these go down to Virginia, and this service is going to be expanded.

[@christopherreiff3192]

I think all the Empire Corridor trains except Lakeshore Limited trains will go to Grand Central

[@Thom-TRA]

No they won’t

[@christopherreiff3192]

@@Thom-TRA Even tho u say they won't, IK that there are Enough of those trains that can go to Grand Central, plus all of of train set's will sit north of NYC

[@Thom-TRA]

@@christopherreiff3192 why would they when all other Amtrak trains go to Penn? Doesn’t make any sense

[@christopherreiff3192]

@@Thom-TRA First, those C set airo trains go north of NYC, plus shouldn't Amtrak use Penn Station for long distance trains that terminate there and use Sunnyside yard for turnaround and intercity trains that go to NYC continue beyond NYC like Roanoke to Boston via NYC, plus Amtrak intercity trains that go south of NYC that origin and terminate at NYC should use Penn station South, plus, it would increase service frequency

[@somax1259]

im confused i thought the cascades service got new train sets (or at least new locos) only very recently can someone explain what's happening?

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m sure those relatively new locomotives will find a second life somewhere else

[@joh.nrgaard2968]

​@@Thom-TRA The Siemens SC-44 Charger locomotives already owned by the Cascades service will be redeployed to the new trainsets. Additionally they're receiving two new locomotives as part of the order.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@joh.nrgaard2968 thanks for the info!

[@EpicThe112]

This will not affect long distance services that need to have locomotive replacements in Washington DC Philadelphia 30th Street and New Haven Union Station the Vermonter to St Albans, VT historic Terminus of the route Montreal Quebec.

[@drshallow69]

My prediction A - Amtrak I - Intercity R - Rail O - I have no clue

[@Thom-TRA]

I love spelling “I have no clue” with an O

[@Daniel-hj8el]

OPERATIONS Dude

[@ryadi1703]

I cant believe that the ACS-64's will gone very quick

[@Thom-TRA]

I know… I love those locomotives. The could totally stay on the Keystone, which has no diesel sections. Hopefully they’ll be sold to a different railroad so they can live a long life. Sadly it won’t be Metra…

[@damnimloomin]

It would be cooler if they used the existing trains to pilot new routes/ expand the network (even if it’s just additional frequency) since they have the maintenance ability and a fleet of cars and trains. Amtrak should use Tampa as a FL hub and run inter city service to Orlando, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami and Pensacola/ maybe New Orleans? Since Tampa is a “back in station” and it’s a large city it would make a ton of sense to run trains to all over the state if they’re fast enough and frequent. if Amtrak made deals with freight companies by adding tracks and maybe even electric wires so Acela trains can compete with brightline. there is enough people realistically to keep both services alive for locals or tourist’s if the stations have direct links to all commercial airports in FL.

[@Thom-TRA]

It’d be even cooler if they did both!

[@ArtisticHH57]

Here’s to hoping the ACS 64’s get shipped off to the MBTA so they can finally electrify the dang Providence line

[@Thom-TRA]

Don’t hold your breath haha

[@ArtisticHH57]

What does that expression mean?

[@theflyingduckman3608]

AIRO: Amtrak Intercity Rail Operations?

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s pretty smart

[@Daniel-hj8el]

Yo Quick Math

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

Are those NY battery packed trains going to be full hybrid?

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m not sure. I’m very worried they’re going to switch it to diesel the second they’re out of the tunnel. In NY, biggest city in the country…

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

@@Thom-TRA That would be a shame if that's the plan. Braking into a battery bank and then recovering that energy for re-acceleration is a real energy saver. I'll be watching these lines as well as the commuter line trains you reported going hybrid a few months ago. I'm really looking forward to the reported efficiency gains vs increased maint cost of making trains hybrid.

[@ivovanzon164]

Siemens does offer a catenary /battery dual mode EMU in Europe, and other sources do mention that the coach behind the locomotive has powered bogies. So the technology is available to do it.

[@banksrail]

@@ivovanzon164 I think he’s talking about the trains for the Empire Corridor. Currently it’s only electrified with 3rd rail in Penn Station so Amtrak is deciding to use Batteries to avoid the use of 3rd rail and diesel in the tunnels.

[@Daniel-hj8el]

​@@banksrailHOLD UP, What about Lake Shore Limited, they also use p32 for third rail pickup to get out NYC, Didn't heard about their for Battery hybrid.

[@Ghfvhvfg]

Cascades no electrifcation why?

[@Thom-TRA]

Tracks owned by freight railroads

[@adithyaramachandran7427]

Why is there a need for D sets ? A, B, and C should be sufficient. Batteries can still be useful outside the northeast.

[@Thom-TRA]

Because there is no electric infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. Batteries are heavy, expensive, and take up passenger space. It’s the best option for the unfortunately unelectrified region.

[@steamroddsroundhouse2080]

Thats great to hear that, these new trains are coming out, I gotta say the liveries are much needed though. Sometimes being in tin cans kinda blends in what California is, but tbh I would love to see these trains in California more though, Or at least clean them to give a nicer livery!

[@alternative890]

So I guess both these will be diesel and electric?? Also with the long distance passenger trains will they still look like the normal Amtrak ones we have today? Those will remain diesel right? Will those long distance passenger trains still be around? Everything should remain diesel because it is the most efficient fuel source that replaced steam.

[@Thom-TRA]

That last point isn’t exactly factual

[@alternative890]

@@Thom-TRA this will be for all Amtrak trains? Or will the long distance ones remain the same?

[@alternative890]

I thought that was true diesel is efficient. It replaced steam.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@alternative890 it is, but electricity is even better. When trains brake, they can return energy to the system.

[@alternative890]

@@Thom-TRA how much longer will diesel be around ?

[@derek7793]

These going to be in California too?

[@Thom-TRA]

No I don’t think so. California has their own venture sets coming.

[@TheAmtrakSpartan]

@@Thom-TRAOf course it’s obviously in California. They currently are operating on the San Joaquins.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@TheAmtrakSpartan those are different

[@caltrain119]

Ario? Isn't it supposed to be spelled "arrow"

[@Thom-TRA]

It’s a name, not a word. They can spell it however they want.

[@andreyswiesciak-maddox7242]

Great!

[@orlandoracer407]

Will the Silver Service have a new Amtrak fleet with Airo?

[@Thom-TRA]

No, as those are sleepers.

[@kefvo]

It’s actually a battery locomotive 2:11

[@Thom-TRA]

Might want to read that again. The batteries will be in the first passenger car.