USA train operator Amtrak has revealed that the first of its new Cascades trainsets has completed testing.

The testing took place in the city of Pueblo in the state of Colorado. Now that this stage of testing is complete, the trainset is being taken to the Northeast Corridor for additional testing.

The move represents a significant step forward on the way to launching the new trains on the Amtrak Cascades corridor, which is due to take place next year.

Amtrak describes the train as “part of our bold transformation in passenger rail”. It says that the trains are well known within the US railway industry as part of Amtrak’s Airo fleet.

Two years ago, Amtrak ordered a further ten new Airo trainsets in response to an increase in passenger numbers.

That brought the total number of new trains ordered to 83 new trains will be introduced across the country. The first new trains to be introduced will be the Amtrak Cascades.

They will be followed by the Northeast Regional route, and then other key routes, including the Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.

The trains’ design is inspired by the Pacific Northwest. It has modern amenities, with features including:

• spacious and comfortable seats, with power sockets and USB-C ports; seatback tablet and phone holders; larger, sturdier tray tables; more leg room and adjustable headrests
• bold, colour-coded signage to identify amenities and classes of travel
• 5G Wi-Fi and digital information systems
• spacious, accessible toilets, vestibules and café cars
• inductive hearing technology
• café car with ‘grab-and-go’ service
• more space in business class
• ample storage space for bags and luggage.

Environmental benefits include improved fuel efficiency, with the trains producing 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations. The trains also have water stations, which provide chilled and filtered hydration, reducing the need for passengers to use plastic bottles.

Amtrak’s programme of improvements includes major infrastructure projects, expanding services, upgrading stations, modernising its network and improving the capacity of its track.

“We’re redefining the journey—one route at a time. Watch for this beautiful train as it travels across the country.”

Amtrak