A New Era Arrives: Airo Trains Make Their Amtrak Cascades Debut

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire A New Era Arrives: Airo Trains Make Their Amtrak Cascades DebutAuthor of the article:The next generation of Amtrak travel arrives in the Pacific NorthwestTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountWASHINGTON — Amtrak is welcoming customers aboard its all-new Airo trainsets today as a new era of passenger rail arrives in the Pacific Northwest. Beginning today, two cutting-edge Airo trainsets will join the Amtrak Cascades route, operating four daily trips between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland, and Eugene and marking the first introduction of Airo trains into passenger service anywhere in the country. As additional Airo trainsets enter service, they will continue to expand across the route, ultimately replacing the existing fleet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Join Amtrak live as we kick off this exciting new era of rail travel in the Pacific Northwest. Starting at 6:15 a.m. PT in Seattle, viewers can tune in as the first Airo train prepares to depart, including a first look inside the fleet, customer reactions, and conversations with Amtrak and Washington state transportation leaders. The livestream will resume at 10:30 a.m. PT in Portland to capture Airo’s arrival, hear first impressions from customers, and speak with Oregon transportation leaders about what the new fleet means for rail travel across the region.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest,” said Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann. “After extensive planning, design, manufacturing and testing, we’re excited to welcome customers aboard. This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak’s broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country.”“Amtrak’s Airo trainset was developed for today’s travelers, with a focus on comfort, connectivity and convenience—a testament to Amtrak’s dedication to improving and expanding services nationwide,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “This rollout represents hundreds of American jobs that poured countless hours into building trainsets that commuters and tourists will enjoy across the Pacific Northwest for decades to come.”Designed specifically for the Pacific Northwest, the new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream, and mocha color palette, along with design elements inspired by the Cascade mountain range. Inside, customers will find more than 300 seats per trainset and a range of features designed to make every trip more comfortable, convenient, and connected.Enhanced comfort: Ergonomically designed seating with adjustable headrests, panoramic windows, enhanced lighting and modern interiorsMore ways to stay connected: Complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB-C ports, and digital customer information displaysImproved accessibility: Accessible seating and features throughout the train, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms with touchless controlsA refreshed Cafe experience: Food and beverage offerings inspired by the Pacific NorthwestThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest,” said WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith. “They bring improved reliability, comfort, and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country. We’re particularly excited to be the first in the nation to introduce these new trains into service.”Be Among the First to RideThe new trains are marked with a ‘New Train’ tag on Amtrak.com and in the Amtrak app, making them easy to identify when booking.* Two Airo trainsets will begin service today, operating four daily Amtrak Cascades trips:Northbound* Train 516: Seattle → Vancouver, B.C. | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Train 508: Eugene → Seattle | 4:30 p.m. – 10:50 p.m.Southbound* Train 503: Seattle → Eugene | 7:10 a.m. – 1:48 p.m. Train 519: Vancouver, B.C. → Seattle | 4:45 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.“Oregon continues to reach record train ridership, and we are proud to partner with Amtrak to bring their new trains to the Pacific Northwest,” said Chris Warner, interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. “Amtrak Cascades offers Oregonians and visitors a chance to leave I-5 traffic behind and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. We look forward to welcoming the new trains and giving even more people the opportunity to experience passenger rail in Oregon.”Part of a Bigger TransformationAmtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for Amtrak Cascades, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab carAdditional trainsets will enter service through early 2027, ultimately replacing the existing Amtrak Cascades fleetAmtrak Cascades is the first route in the nation to introduce Airo into passenger serviceThe next planned Airo deployment is on the Northeast Regional, where the first trainset has completed production and begun testing ahead of a planned service launch in late 2027Future Airo trains will feature Amtrak’s national red, white and blue branding while maintaining the defining features and customer-focused design of the fleetBuilt in America, for AmericaManufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, Airo trainsets incorporate components from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states, supporting American manufacturing and jobs.“This is more than the debut of a new train, it’s the moment a once-in-a-generation investment in American passenger rail becomes real for travelers,” said Tobias Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America. “Airo brings together American manufacturing, decades of global rail expertise, and intelligent digital technology to create a fleet built for the future.”This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Learn more about the new Airo fleet at media.amtrak.com/airo-fleet/.“After many years of planning and pushing for funding, it is so exciting to see Amtrak’s new Airo fleet make its debut in the Pacific Northwest,” said Senator Patty Murray. “These modern trains are a massive upgrade and will help boost the economy for the whole region as more people choose to travel by rail across Washington state. When we invest in Amtrak Cascades, we’re investing in jobs and connecting communities. I was proud to help secure this funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and I’ll continue to push for federal dollars to invest in rail and the infrastructure we need to keep Washington state moving forward.”“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps paying dividends,” said Senator Cantwell. “The state-of-the-art Airo trainsets replace much older cars, making travel on Amtrak’s Cascades route more convenient, accessible, and reliable for riders across the Pacific Northwest. The Airos also have nearly twice as many seats, helping to meet growing demand on this routinely sold-out route.”“These new trains are going to play a pivotal role in keeping communities connected in Oregon and Washington, and will help drive economic success across the region,” Senator Wyden said. “I’m gratified I was able to help secure the funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make this project a reality, and I’m as committed as ever to generating federal support for cutting-edge infrastructure projects like this one that will help move Oregon forward.”“The new trains on the local Amtrak route are better for the environment and keep people and the economy moving in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “The best part: you can ride these new trains in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Everett, Edmonds and other stops throughout the Pacific Northwest to get to where you need to go. And the next step from here is to get more dollars to expand this great service in Northwest Washington and the entire United States.”Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)“Amtrak’s new Airo trains will make traveling the Amtrak Cascades corridor by rail more reliable, safe, and comfortable,” said DelBene. “The federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that helped purchase these trains will better connect key population centers across our region. This exciting new launch shows the powerful results of federal investments in our rail network and the need for Congress to continue prioritizing resources for this and other rail projects.”This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05)“The best part of taking the train? The traffic is somebody else’s problem,” said Rep. Bynum. “Now we’re getting new trains that will make the ride more comfortable and help keep it on schedule. And our region gets them first. Dibs on a window seat.”Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01)“Amtrak’s new Airo trains will make traveling the Amtrak Cascades corridor by rail more reliable, safe, and comfortable,” said DelBene. “The federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that helped purchase these trains will better connect key population centers across our region. This exciting new launch shows the powerful results of federal investments in our rail network and the need for Congress to continue prioritizing resources for this and other rail projects.”Rep. Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03)“Oregonians rely on Amtrak Cascades to reach work, school and family across the Pacific Northwest,” said Rep. Maxine Dexter, M.D. “The new Airo trains will make those trips more reliable, accessible and comfortable while creating jobs and strengthening our regional economy. I am proud Oregon will be among the first to ride them.”“Investing in our train infrastructure offers a ticket to economic growth and building our American manufacturing base,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Amtrak’s new Airo trainset, is doing just that. These trains will travel along the west coast, stopping right here in Eugene. Take a ride and experience the beauty that Oregon has to offer.”Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)“I’m thrilled that the Pacific Northwest is the first region to welcome Amtrak’s new Airo fleet trains into passenger service. These new trains are a great step toward modernizing passenger rail in our region and giving Seattle residents more convenient transportation options.”Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04)“The Pacific Northwest has long been a home for invention and innovation that supports the American Dream. I am thrilled that the Amtrak Cascades route will be the first to debut the new Airo trainset, made in America, for America. Amtrak investing in U.S. manufacturing to bring a top-of-the line experience for those traveling benefits businesses, workers, and travelers alike. I look forward to the deployment of the new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades route and my own first trip.”Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06)“Investments in public transportation help our neighbors get where they need to go while cutting pollution, whether they travel by bus, train, or ferry,” said Rep. Randall. “I’m excited to see the new Amtrak Airo trains coming to the Amtrak Cascades route, connecting communities with more comfortable and accessible ways to travel. We need more investment in public transportation, and I hope this is one of many wins for our region.”This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“I’m proud to welcome Amtrak’s new Airo trainsets to Seattle, connecting the Emerald City with communities across the Pacific Northwest,” said Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash). “Washington state is home to economic opportunity, beautiful scenery, and unique experiences that should be available to anyone visiting across the country. These new trainsets will make traveling to and throughout the Puget Sound region even more accessible, and I look forward to having more visitors in Seattle.”Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)“Amtrak is further connecting the region and making train travel more modern and accessible for passengers,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). “The new Airo trains will help make train travel more comfortable for travelers moving throughout the Pacific Northwest.”* While these departures are scheduled to operate with Airo equipment, train assignments are subject to change based on operational needs.Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards for free to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, lounge access and more.WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state’s transportation systems. To learn more about what we’re doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/ for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real-time traffic information is available at wsdot.com/traffic.ODOT provides a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon’s communities and economy thrive. Learn more at Oregon.gov/ODOT and visit TripCheck.com for the latest traffic conditions.View source version on businesswire.com: This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. 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