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IAM Union-made NextGen Acela high-speed trainsets are beginning regular service on the Northeast Rail Corridor today. It comes after months of testing the new trains, which can run as fast as 160 miles per hour on the current rail infrastructure.
WATCH: Acela’s Next Generation of Trains Hit the Tracks NBC Today Show
The Avelia Liberty trains tout 9,400 horsepower, a significant increase over the 6,100 horsepower Acela Express locomotives in operation since 2000. IAM Local 2741 (District 19) members in Hornell, N.Y., build the Avelia Liberty trainsets that become a step up to high-speed rail made in America, for America.
“Amtrak had an all-time ridership record of 32.9 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2024. That milestone would not be possible without our members’ expertise and unwavering commitment to maintaining safety and excellent customer service,” said TCU/IAM President Artie Maratea. “These new trainsets meet our riders’ demands, and we are excited to serve our customers with this service”.
The new passenger cars offer modern conveniences, like 5G Wi-Fi, individual USB ports in seats for device charging, convenient power outlets, and reading lights built into the headrests. Seating, dining, and kitchen space have been rearranged on the new passenger cars with comfort and style in mind. TCU/IAM is a member of Amtrak’s On-board Service Workers Council, which helps give them a voice in the customer experience.
“High-speed rail is here. Now we build out the railways and infrastructure to support even faster passenger trains in the United States,” said Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the IAM President for Rail Division. “District 19 and IAM Rail Division members can do the job to make America’s rail transportation world-class.”
The 28 NextGen Acela trains will be placed in service between now and 2027. Five trainsets will initially be used with the current Acela Express fleet. The Avelia Liberty passenger cars have a tilt system for a smoother, quieter ride. The fleet runs multiple trips daily along 14 stations between Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, and Boston South Station.
“IAM Union District 19 members are proud to contribute their skills to every Acela trainset, which will serve millions of passengers,” said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “These trains demonstrate the excellence of American Union craftsmanship and highlight what can be achieved when workers have the resources to build world-class rail equipment in our backyard.”
