Brand New Amtrak Trains Coming To Many Routes 

Oh boy Oh boy. As a retired UP employee in the mechanical department for 40 years never went out on trains but doing it now in retirement. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Superliners are being refurbished currently with new interiors on all the cars over the next several years. I've seen the new coach seats on the California Zephyr. They are a big improvements over the old dark blue upholstery. Includes china in the dining cars!

We're taking the Empire Builder (St. Paul to Portland) later this year (our 50th anniversary) and want to know about tipping norms. You've no doubt covered this somewhere but I can't find the right video. Thanks and have a great 2023!

Excellent news. Travelled Chicago to NY last Sept on the lake shore limited, 1st class. Enjoyable.

I recently took the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Reno and back, and was surprised (yet not surprised because this is the US) that the equipment was the same as when I rode this route 20 years ago, and it showed! The sinks were so badly corroded around the base of the faucets that they looked dirty. The interiors were pretty banged up in general, again looking not clean. It looked really third world compared to the equipment in Europe and Asia. So glad to hear about the coming refurbishment from a commenter below. I hope to experience this riding again soon.

Thanks for the new information guys! Very exciting! I had no idea Amtrak was upgrading on some of their trains! Please travel safe!

Thanks for updating the new railtracks at US and such a wonderful experiences at super liners ,anyway your naration are so details. 9:18

im glad east coast trains are getting an update, they were so old.

I am sO excited! I love to travel every time I can. Last Thanksgiving I took my first train ride on the Texas Eagle from Dallas Tx. to Chicago----I enjoyed the ride---was very affordable and seats were comfotable. I cant wait to experience new routs around the country--- Sincerely, Carmen.

Great news! Great video 💯 Thanks for the updates. Most US rail tracks are in dire need of upgrades and repairs. The rail system is evolving and let's hope the tracks are updated as well to coincide with the new cars. I still travel via rail but I'm very careful about which routes.

I love riding the train. My grandmother would not fly and that's where my love started taking trips with her to Las Vegas and Louisiana. I can't wait to see these new trains although 2026 seems like a long time. I am here for it!

Merry Christmas Rob & Allie🎄🎄I hope you're enjoying our Canadian Christmas in Edmonton as well as your Birthday's🎂🎉🎉 Thanks for all your videos. Merry Christmas to you both🎄🎄

As a VA resident I thank you for sharing.🚃

Excellent information!!! Thank you so much!!😄😄😄

Very informative!! I've seen Amtrak's Amfleet coach cars since the 70's & they've held up nicely. I've heard train cars are designed to last 40-50 years & are heavily used on shorter day runs. All cars have "good bones" but will show signs of wear structurally over time. I've seen interior renovations 3 times in Amtrak's Superliner cars with upgrades & twice in their restrooms. Although pricey, I'll agree they don't make much profit on sleeper cars. The profit is made with their regional service, particularly in the Northeast where Amtrak owns trackage & service is on time. I believe Amtrak's Surfliner cars are the newest on the Southwest Coast-introduced during the 90's offering service as far North as San Luis Obispo. Before, the only Southwest Coast service was between L.A. & San Diego with 8 trains daily & it's still popular. The coach seats in the new cars shown don't appear to be comfortable in the area of seat cushions. They look hard & bench like. My guess is they're attempting to provide materials which are more robust.

Dedicated tracks are what is needed if high speeds are desired.

good to hear. I swear that some of those sleeper cars are the same ones I rode in 1952! But glad the Cascades is getting a facelift. I hope that this will mean that the train will run all the way to Canada again. I have to change to a bus in Seattle unless I want to spend the night in Seattle and then take the train up to Vancouver. That cuts out a very beautiful section of the train ride. I rode the train/bus from Bellingham last week and it was packed. It seems to be very heavily used and deserves an upgrade.

I was looking forward to this all week! Once again, thank you for your cheerfulness and for the information. I have been reading that the labor shortage is very hard on Amtrak in that older career employees are retiring the same time the shortage of workers is so dire. Many reviews seem to back up the lack of staffing. I have heard many great things about conductors and attendants and really want Amtrak to grow and flourish.Have you noticed lack of staffing since Covid being an issue for customer comfort? I have only taken the train twice in the US but want to up my game! I am hoping that there is a program from Amtrak attracting young people coming out of school as well as other adults.

Thank you for a great year in videos. I wish you a merry and blessed Christmas.

I adore this channel; great personalities. Subscribed 💪🏽🇺🇸

Thanks!

Keep on Rollin!!! Great video 👍🚄

Amtrak Midwest is already using Venture cars. Airo is just the name for the paint scheme. Siemens Venture is the name for the model of the cars, which Amtrak Midwest, Amtrak California and Via Rail are already getting deliveries of.

3:47 Those seats look like the Clerprem Hermes. Those are also used on German ICE4 (also built by Siemens) and modernized ICE3 trains. They were (to a certain extent still are) a constant source of displeasure and led to many public discussions in Germany. Deutsche Bahn modified the seats a bit to make them slightly more comfortable. It helped a bit, but unfortunately they are still not nearly as comfortable as the seats in older ICE train generations, especially in 1st class.

My Grand Dad was an Engineer on the Rock Island Lines …I have fond memories of Rail Travel

I wonder if we'll see the River Runner replaced before they replace Viewliners and Superliners?

They may test it on the Maple Leaf Service. Although it's a cross Border Route, it's a shorter distance between Toronto (The Canadian Start of the Maple Leaf) and Niagra Falls, New York, where the train halts for Re-Stock and clearance of Canadians/Americans crossing the border

Love your videos!

One of my best buddies who was very knowledgeable of the railroad physical plant was that the mainlines should all be triple tracked wherever possible. Basically, several routes are saturated since the current tax structure encourages single track. Basically, with more trackage, more trains could be operated with fewer delays, especially for Amtrak.

Just want to say you do a great job on the vids Thanks

Continued happy holidays to you 🎉

Great info. I'm disappointed the that the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin won't happen.

Good video. One thing are the Amfleet cars older than the Superliners? If so, I can definitely understand Amtrak for wanting to replace those before Superliners. Amtrak deserves props for being able to maintain the Amfleets as long as they have because when they first came out, they were extremely rough riding and not the most comfortable cars.

Bellissima friend 👍👍👍👍

I've been curious about the Avelia's release since it got pushed back from the original date of 2021. I understand that it is still undergoing tests on the track to overcome any possible issues it may have. I know it is lighter and going to have two extra cars instead of the current Acela's six.

Thanks guys, hadn’t heard about this… ✔️

If you are ever going through Kelso Washington on a Tuesday morning or Saturday morning you would be seeing me as the station attendant as one of the volunteers.

I commute on the Michigan Service. I've experienced the new rolling stock. 1. Much by better WiFi. 2. Electronic bathrooms 3. Extending stairs, making boarding much easier. ***caveat: the coach seats are like narrow, hard airplane seats😖😩

As always siemens making amazing trains!

Mobile Amtrak hopefully soon.

If you build it they will come. I feel if they build nice trains where people feel good in them people will travel more in them. Thank you for your videos.

We just had an influx of new Viewliners. But, contrary to what you said, they’re meant to be an addition to the old ones, not a replacement of them. The goal is to increase the sleeper capacity on the single-level eastern long-distance trains.

That's great news but the Texas Eagle needs help! Must be one of the first in operation.

I hope your train is new from 34thst . To Columbia SC bring the hot food back .

Thanks for the quick reply but I have additional questions. The gratuity you mentioned is for the cabin attendant, correct? Do they change crews sometimes during the trip, say in Montana? Or will s/he be with us till the Seattle? I guess it's up to me to check on that early and be prepared. And in the dining car the same sort of gratuity that you'd have in a nice restaurant in a large city? Then is that a tip after each meal or at journeys end. Sorry for all the questions but I don't have experience on the train. You guys offer a valuable service. Thanks again!

I'm into the arts perhaps maybe someday I may come up with an idea for the Super and Viewliners. :D

I just came across you guys channel and loving the content. Lots of great info especially with amtrak. I know trains in the US are meh compared to Europe but i want to take advantage of it. Keep up the good work. Sending positive vibes your way :)

I had heard that the Viewliner 1 cars were not going to be phased out. They were supposed to be completely refurbished and renovated up to the standard of the Viewliner 2 models. in other words remove the in-room toilet and install communal toilets at the end of the car. Has that changed or rather was that ever correct?

What about the Autotrain?

It's good to upgrade but they should bring back several iconic trains back like the Broadway Limited 20th century New England states the cincinnatian the Super Chief for overnight trains

This comment has nothing to do with the new trains (not coming to my area, sigh). My daughter and I took our very first Amtrak trip last weekend. We are Amtrak converts and will never fly again if we can take the train. Both of us watched hours of your videos and read your blog. I had to laugh at our fellow travelers who asked how I knew so much about trains since this was my first trip. Because of you! We both felt so prepared. Admittedly, going by Amtrak requires that you subscribe to the "getting there is half the fun" philosophy, but we do and enjoyed every minute. It was a kind of memorial trip for us. My father also watched your channel and wanted to take a train trip. I planned this trip back in August for us to go together. Sadly, he passed away suddenly a few months ago so he didn't get to go. Amtrak was so kind to me in arranging for my daughter to take his place. I'm booking my next trip now. Hope to see you out on the rails!

The good news is that bids have been put out for a new design for the Superliner and Viewliner. So, change is coming…be it very slow.

Happy Holidays Merry Christmas

North Carolina's Piedmont Service likely to get a diesel version of this model.

Do you have a video for the cascade train? I can’t find it and love your train route videos way more then others.

@Grounded Life Travel Hi! I've been watching your videos lately. I want to let you guys know that I'm a frequent Amtrak rider. I'm wondering if Amtrak Airo is coming to California routes (Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins and Pacific Surfliner) excluding long distance routes (California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited) Siemens Mobility is built in the heart of Sacramento, CA.

The new Charger Locomotive probably use DEF Diesel Exaust Fluide just like our trucks at work.

Will Amtrak consider running tracks from Albuquerque NM to Phoenix AZ ??

I took amtrak from South Carolina to Los Angeles. We have engine trouble in Chicago, 5 hour delay. When we got to New Mexico we had engine problem and were 2 hours delayed. In total we were 9 hours delayed. My first trip by train. I fell running to the train in Washington DC and fractured my rib. I was in pain the whole trip. I arrived 3 days before Thanksgiving with friends, then I tested positive for covid. A wonderful trip lol. Will I ride again? Yes. April I will head to Seattle and get on a ferry to Alaska. I'm crossing my fingers that this trip will be better. My trip is on my RU-vid channel.

I’m embarrassed to ask this question but being this is my favorite train travel YT channel I trust your opinion/advice. Will it be silly to take a cross country ride without a “specific“ destination in between? For example, from East Coast to West Coast. I’m sure there won’t be much to see (even though I enjoy traveling and seeing Country roads). However, upon return to East Coast I may choose to make a stop. Any suggestions? 😊😊

i am not a train fan but imagine a future where the entire globe is linked by hyperloop high speed rail!

Not the Surfliner. That’s also a state-supported route with a lot of passengers.

I will be sad to see Amfleet cars starting to go away--I've always loved the look of them--but they are older now than most of Amtrak's "rainbow era" equipment was when Amtrak was formed. I hope that someone, somewhere, will preserve a few Amfleet cars for display or as private cars.

Great news So is there any speed improvement as well?😜😜

Subscribed to your channel about l yr ago, and invited my friends to also watch, since that time have you guys gotten any sponsorsship? I see the numbers it takes a lot to get that, or have you been doing this just for fun?

Will the new trains keep the feature of being hours late?

I wonder if they will EVER make the dining car available to coach again.

3 of the lines you mentioned are cross border routes, but I beg your pardon I don't think Amtrak would test run their trains on a Cross Border Route simply because if the train gets stuck on the Canadian side that's going to be a massive issue for VIA Rail and Freight in Vancouver

I the conductors didn’t have to each 8:24 sit at a different table there would be more room in the cafe cars.

And will when the Texas Eagle receive an updated train?

Now figure out how by-pass Chicago for a Stright-line. From Springfield & Normal to go East, the train only goes to Chicago and then the big wait. If I'm going to Philly, It's Chicago only. Train is a good way to travel and beats the Bus or the drive. Thanks, and Good Yuletide

I love Amtrak trains. I can sit back and listen to music while someone drives me to a different city and not have to look at the awful highways. And they have restrooms.

so will the pittsburgh to dc trip get the new trains?

When are they going to be bringing back the Adirondack line? That is the line i took and enjoyed going to Ticonderoga.

The Airo is not electric, but will be used in electrified territory?

We have booked an amtrak retirement trip. My question is. Hotel in Emeryville CA. Any tips? We are going to Chicago and taking the zephyr to Emeryville. Then starlight to LA. We just need a hotel in Chicago and Emeryville. Thanks and I'm so excited about out trip. Inspired by yAll

I really wish it would be sooner I am 70 already, going back In forth to El Paso the trains are so old it’s really heard to get comfortable in a sleeper car foe the money they charge…

Do you think any of the Amtrak train stations will get remodeled?

They should come to all the routes, there aren't that many.

The northeast corridor:Boston to D.C. is the only route that makes a decent profit.

I wish Amtrak would focus on tracks. It's not called Amtrain. The railroad companies are really holding back the passenger rail service. I like the idea of government owned track for private passenger train companies.

I take NE Regional trains such as The Vermonter. However, getting up 4 steps with luggage for older folks is far from easy and one has to do it even at the Union Station, DC. Acela trains that originate at DC are far easier to board because the platform is level with the train. I doubt Amtrak would be able to finesse that with new coaches.

What are all the windows for in the new engine unit; are passengers sitting in the engine compartment? See at 1:15 and 2:10.

Not for many years with RPB congress, galleys storage wrong then the years of acceptance testing... The new Acela Express is 3 years late already and no firm service date

Amtrack, we are not interested in New coach trains. But we are interested in New sleep room cars (after what we saw in other countries their bedrooms are awesome!!) & want better meals & that can be adapted to people with allergies.

This isn't so much a "new" trainset as it is a package of existing locomotives (Charger) and carriages (Venture). Brightline has been using this set for a while now. Canada's VIArail is currently testing these sets. And the Midwest lines have been getting the new equipment piecemeal instead of as complete sets. That would explain why none of the Midwest lines were in the announcement, because the new equipment is already being deployed. I take the announcement more as Amtrak will now be buying complete sets as Brightline did instead of buying everything ala cart.

Why do all these new trains look like Acela Express? 😳

It sounds lovely, but it's so inconvenient the way they have people take a bus from Toledo to Detroit When people are coming from the East Coast Amtrak needs to get in there and get those tracks that are coming from Toledo to Detroit rather than inconveniently putting people on the bus maybe somebody don't like taking buses by they're taking the train and this is where the little Pete buttigiegs coming to handy this should have been done years ago but I don't know what the holdup is there's a lot of tracks that's sitting there mostly commercial for freight and they can use one of the two of those lines 😮

Why does Illinois ge really any updates or any sleeper do cars

They've been milking those old cars from the 80s for decades... excited to see what the new fleet brings!

How about the type they use in Europe,the bullet.

Taking the toilet out of the roomettes is a bad idea IMO,hunting a restroom in the night isn't fun.

On the Cascades, there is only one set of Talgo cars left in the fleet. Amtrak has brough it Horizon cars to keep all the train sets sunning. Most of the Talgo sets have been crashed, and Talgo does not make parts for them anymore. So, Talgo in Seattle has had to strip a few cars down to get parts so they can maintain the last remaining train set. And your artist drawing is wrong. The Cascade trains are powered by Siemens Chargers, and they don't connect to the cars as shown in the drawing...

Reject modernity, embrace tradition

New trains running on the same battered, rough routes they've been traveling for 60 yrs.

USA needs 200 miles/hour speedy train nationwide

The Aero trains will make the locomotive swap in DC pointless.

The Long Haul cars are being replaced.

And the new Superliner cars are coming to the Texas Eagle/Sunset Ltd., Heartland Flyer when?? Or does Amtrak even care about these routes!!

I wish there are better trains for tourists available in the southeast. The better ones are in the northwest and northeast.