Acela facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Acela

Acela at Rahway, New Jersey, in May 2021
Overview
Service type	Inter-city, high speed tilting train
Locale	Northeast megalopolis
Predecessor	Metroliner
First service	December 11, 2000 (2000-12-11)
Current operator(s)	Amtrak
Annual ridership	2,144,369 (FY22) 138.9%
Route
Start	Boston, Massachusetts
Stops	12
End	Washington, D.C.
Distance travelled	457 miles (735 km)
Average journey time	6 3⁄4 hours
Service frequency	20 per day
Train number(s)	2100–2290
On-board services
Class(es)	First Class Business Class
Disabled access	Fully accessible
Seating arrangements	4 across in business class 3 across in first class
Catering facilities	Café; at-seat meals in first class
Baggage facilities	Racks and overhead bins; no checked luggage
Technical
Rolling stock	Acela Express (trainset)
Track gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Operating speed	150 mph (240 km/h) (top) 170 mph (110 km/h) (avg.)

Map of the areas and stations served by Acela

The Acela (say "uh-SELL-uh") is Amtrak's fastest passenger train service. It runs along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in the Northeastern United States. This route connects major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Acela trains are the fastest in the Americas. They can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) in some areas. This speed qualifies them as high-speed rail. However, they only reach these top speeds on about 49.9 miles (80.3 km) of the 457-mile (735 km) route.

In 2023, over 2.9 million people rode the Acela. This makes it Amtrak's second most popular service. The Acela uses special "tilting" technology. This helps the train lean into curves. It allows the train to go faster without passengers feeling uncomfortable.

The journey from New York City to Washington, D.C., takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The average speed for this part is 82 miles per hour (132 km/h). Between New York and Washington, Acela and the Northeast Regional train services are very popular. They carry 83% of all travelers who go between these cities by train or plane.

The trip from Boston to New York takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The average speed here is 66 miles per hour (106 km/h). The entire trip from Boston to Washington takes between 6 hours, 38 minutes and 6 hours, 50 minutes. New Avelia Liberty trains will replace the current Acela trains starting in 2024. These new trains will carry more passengers and have an improved tilting system. This will allow them to go even faster on curved tracks.

History of the Acela

How High-Speed Rail Began

After Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) became successful, the U.S. government wanted to explore high-speed rail. In 1965, a law was passed to look into this. This led to the Metroliner trains, which ran between Washington, D.C., and New York City starting in 1969. These were the first step towards Acela.

In the early 1990s, Amtrak tested different high-speed trains from Europe.

• An X 2000 train from Sweden was tested in 1992 and 1993.
• A Siemens ICE 1 train from Germany also ran tests in 1993.

Building the Acela Trains

After testing, Amtrak decided what kind of high-speed train it wanted. In 1994, they asked train makers to bid on building trains that could go 150 miles per hour (240 km/h). A team of companies, Bombardier and Alstom, won the contract in 1996.

On March 9, 1999, Amtrak announced its plan for the Acela Express. This new high-speed train would run between Washington, D.C., and Boston. The train tracks were also improved for these faster electric trains. For example, the electric power system was extended all the way to Boston. Before 2000, trains going to Boston had to switch to diesel power in New Haven.

Acela Express trainset being tested in 2000

The first test train was ready in early 2000. It was sent for testing in June 2000. The first special trip for important guests happened on November 16, 2000. The first regular passenger trip for Acela was on December 11, 2000.

Acela Changes Travel

By 2005, Acela had become very popular. Amtrak's share of travelers between New York and Boston grew from 18% to 40%. Because Acela was so popular, the older Metroliner service was stopped in 2006. More Acela trains were added to meet the demand.

By 2011, the Acela trains were halfway through their expected lifespan. Amtrak started planning for new trains. In 2012, they decided to replace the entire Acela fleet instead of just updating the old trains.

How Much Acela Cost

Amtrak first agreed to pay $800 million for 20 Acela trainsets. By 2004, the total cost had risen to $1.2 billion. This included the 20 trainsets, 15 extra high-speed engines, and new maintenance buildings in Boston, New York, and Washington.

The Acela Name

The name "Acela" was announced on March 9, 1999. It was chosen to sound like "acceleration" and "excellence." Amtrak also tried to rename other trains like NortheastDirect and Keystone Service as Acela Regional and Acela Commuter.

However, passengers found this confusing. They couldn't tell the difference between the fast Acela Express and the slower "Acela Regional" trains. So, in 2003, Amtrak removed the "Acela" name from the slower trains.

On September 23, 2019, Amtrak officially shortened the name from Acela Express to just Acela. At the same time, they introduced the Acela Nonstop, a direct train from Washington, D.C., to New York. This nonstop service was stopped temporarily in March 2020 because fewer people were traveling.

How Acela Works

First-Generation Trains

Overhead view of an Acela power car in Boston.

The first Acela trains were specially designed to meet U.S. safety rules. These rules require trains to be very strong, even if they crash. Many train manufacturers found it hard to meet these tough standards.

The Acela trains have powerful engines at each end. They use parts from the French TGV high-speed train, like the motors and braking system. However, the Acela cars are much heavier than TGV cars. This is because they need to meet the strong U.S. crash safety rules. Because of their weight, some people who tested the Acela called it "the pig."

The passenger cars are designed without steps. This means they can only be used at stations with high platforms, like those on the Northeast Corridor. Acela trains are connected together in a special way, forming a "trainset."

Newer Avelia Liberty Trains

Avelia Liberty trainset being tested in Newark, Delaware in March 2021

On August 26, 2016, a large federal loan was announced to pay for new Acela trains. This money will buy 28 new Avelia Liberty trainsets. These trains are being built by Alstom in New York. They will replace the current 20 Acela trains.

The new trains will be longer and have more seats (386 seats compared to 304). They will also have an improved active tilting system. This will allow them to go up to 160 miles per hour (260 km/h) at first. If the tracks are improved, they could even reach 186 miles per hour (299 km/h).

These new trains were expected to start running in 2021 or 2022. Now, they are expected to begin passenger service in 2024.

How Fast Acela Can Go

An Acela Express train passes a Metro-North train in southwestern Connecticut.

Even though the first Acela trains were designed for 165 mph (266 km/h) and the new ones for 220 mph (350 km/h), the tracks limit their speed.

The fastest speed limit on the Northeast Corridor is 150 mph (240 km/h). This speed is reached on about 49.9 miles (80.3 km) of the 457-mile (735 km) route. This happens in parts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The Acela averages 90 mph (140 km/h) between Washington and New York. From New York to Boston, the average speed is 66 mph (106 km/h). The average speed for the whole route is about 70.3 mph (113 km/h).

Speeds are limited because the tracks go through cities. There are also many old bridges and tunnels that require trains to slow down. Amtrak has found 224 bridges on the Acela route that are very old.

South of New York City, the Acela can only go up to 135 mph (217 km/h). This is because the overhead power lines in that area are older. North of New York City, Amtrak improved the tracks to allow speeds over 110 mph (180 km/h). However, a section between New Rochelle and New Haven is owned by another railroad and is very busy with commuter trains. This limits Acela speeds there.

Safety Near Platforms

Because Acela trains pass some local stations very quickly (up to 150 mph (240 km/h)), there are safety concerns. People waiting for other trains need to stay far back from the tracks. Stations have yellow lines to show a safe distance. There have been suggestions for better warnings or safety barriers at these stations.

Train Service Interruptions

• In August 2002, soon after Acela started, trains were briefly stopped. Cracks were found in parts that connect the train's shock absorbers. They were fixed, and trains went back into service.
• On April 15, 2005, Acela trains were stopped again. Cracks were found in the brake discs of many passenger cars. The company that built the trains replaced the parts. Service slowly returned to normal by September 2005.
• In October 2012, Acela service was stopped because of Hurricane Sandy. The storm damaged tunnels, causing delays.
• In March 2020, all Acela trips were stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Service restarted on June 1, 2020.

What's Inside Acela Trains

Train Layout

An Acela trainset has two power cars (engines), a Café car, one First Class car, and four Business Class cars. They are connected together.

The First Class car has 44 seats. These seats are arranged with one seat on one side and two on the other. First Class passengers get assigned seating and meals served at their seats. There are 260 Business Class seats on each train. These cars have two seats on each side.

You can store your bags in overhead bins or under your seat. All trains are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs. Each car has one or two restrooms, and one is always wheelchair-friendly. The Business Class car next to First Class is a "quiet car." In this car, passengers are asked to avoid loud talking and phone calls.

Train Staff and Services

Amtrak train crews usually include an engineer, a conductor, and at least one assistant conductor. Acela trains also have a special On-Board Service team. This team includes two First Class attendants and a Café Car attendant. They serve refreshments throughout the train.

Acela trains offer two types of seating: Business Class and First Class. Unlike most other Amtrak trains, there is no "coach" service on Acela. Business Class is the standard option.

Between 2009 and 2010, the Acela trains got new blue leather seats. In 2018, the interiors were refreshed again with new seat cushions, covers, and carpeting.

Wi-Fi on Board

Acela trains started offering wireless internet service in 2004. By 2010, all Acela trains had "AmtrakConnect" Wi-Fi. In 2016, Amtrak upgraded to an even faster Wi-Fi service.

Important Incidents

• During the Northeast blackout of 2003, an Acela train was stuck on the Hell Gate Bridge for over nine hours. A rescue engine eventually pulled it back to New York's Penn Station.
• On September 27, 2005, a car drove onto the tracks in Waterford, Connecticut, and was hit by an Acela train going 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). Three people in the car died. None of the 130 train passengers were hurt.
• On March 24, 2017, an Acela train went off the tracks at slow speed in New York's Penn Station. All 248 passengers were safely taken off the train. The problem was caused by a faulty section of track.
• On February 6, 2018, an Acela train split apart between the first and second cars while traveling at 124 mph (200 km/h) near Havre de Grace, Maryland. No one was hurt, and the 52 passengers were moved to another train.

Where Acela Stops

State	Town/City	Station	Connections
MA	Boston	South Station	Amtrak: Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Regional MBTA Commuter Rail: Fairmount Line, Framingham/​Worcester Line, Franklin/Foxboro Line, Needham Line, Old Colony Lines, Greenbush Line, Providence/​Stoughton Line MBTA subway:  Red   Silver  Intercity bus services at South Station Bus Terminal MBTA bus
		Back Bay	Amtrak: Northeast Regional, Lake Shore Limited MBTA Commuter Rail: Framingham/Worcester Line, Franklin/Foxboro Line, Needham Line, Providence/Stoughton Line MBTA subway:  Orange  MBTA bus
	Westwood	Route 128	Amtrak: Northeast Regional MBTA Commuter Rail: Providence/Stoughton Line
RI	Providence	Providence	Amtrak: Northeast Regional MBTA Commuter Rail: Providence/Stoughton Line Local bus: Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Amtrak Thruway
CT	New Haven	Union Station	Amtrak: Hartford Line, Northeast Regional, Vermonter CTrail: Hartford Line, Shore Line East Metro-North: ■ New Haven Line Local bus: CTtransit New Haven Intercity bus: Greyhound, Peter Pan
	Stamford	Stamford	Amtrak: Northeast Regional, Vermonter Metro-North: ■ New Haven Line, ■ Danbury Branch, ■ New Canaan Branch, ■ Waterbury Branch Local bus: CTtransit Stamford Intercity bus: Greyhound
NY	New York City	New York Penn Station	Amtrak (long-distance): Cardinal, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star Amtrak (intercity): Adirondack, Berkshire Flyer, Carolinian, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter Long Island Rail Road: ■ City Terminal Zone, ■ Port Washington Branch NJ Transit: ■ North Jersey Coast Line, ■ Northeast Corridor Line, ■ Gladstone Branch, ■ Montclair-Boonton Line, ■ Morristown Line, ■ Raritan Valley Line NYC Subway: Local bus: MTA Bus, FlixBus, Tripper Bus, Vamoose Bus
NJ	Newark	Newark Penn	Amtrak: Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Keystone Service, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Vermonter Newark Light Rail NJ Transit Rail: ■ North Jersey Coast Line, ■ Northeast Corridor Line, ■ Raritan Valley Line PATH: NWK-WTC Local bus: NJ Transit Bus Intercity bus: Greyhound, Coach USA, Fullington Trailways
	Iselin	Metropark	Amtrak: Keystone Service, Northeast Regional, Vermonter NJ Transit Rail: ■ Northeast Corridor Line Local bus: NJ Transit Bus
PA	Philadelphia	30th Street Station	Amtrak: Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Keystone Service, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Vermonter SEPTA Regional Rail: all routes NJ Transit Rail: ■ Atlantic City Line SEPTA City Transit: Market-Frankford Subway-Surface Local bus: SEPTA City Bus, SEPTA Suburban Bus, NJ Transit Bus Intercity bus: Megabus, Martz Trailways
DE	Wilmington	Wilmington	Amtrak: Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Vermonter SEPTA Regional Rail: ■ Wilmington/​Newark Line Local bus: DART First State Intercity bus: Greyhound
MD	Baltimore	Baltimore Penn Station	Amtrak: Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Vermonter MARC: ■ Penn Line Light RailLink Local bus: MTA Maryland, Charm City Circulator
		BWI Airport	Amtrak: Crescent, Northeast Regional, Vermonter MARC: ■ Penn Line Shuttle to Baltimore/Washington International Airport Local bus: MTA Maryland, UMBC Transit
DC	Washington	Washington Union Station	Amtrak: Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Vermonter, Amtrak Thruway MARC: ■ Brunswick Line, ■ Camden Line, ■ Penn Line Virginia Railway Express: ■ Manassas Line, ■ Fredericksburg Line Metro: Red Line DC Streetcar: H Street/Benning Road Line Local bus: Metrobus, DC Circulator, MTA Maryland, Loudoun County Transit, PRTC Buses Intercity bus: Greyhound, Megabus, BoltBus, BestBus, Peter Pan, OurBus

Some Acela trains used to stop at New Rochelle, New York; New London, Connecticut; and Trenton, New Jersey. However, these stops were removed between 2021 and 2023.

See Also

In Spanish: Acela para niños

• List of high-speed trains
• List of Amtrak routes