Amtrak unveils interior of new Acela Express fleet

Amtrak yesterday released renderings of the interior of its new Acela Express fleet that will operate on the Northeast Corridor.

Scheduled to enter service in 2021, the  trains will feature leather seats with integrated in-seat lighting and personal electrical outlets and USB ports.

Each car will have six LED screens to provide real-time information, including train speed and conductor announcements. Other features include onboard Wi-Fi, a seat reservation system, streamlined overhead luggage and restrooms that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

What's more, the new trainsets will accommodate up to 386 passengers, marking a 30 percent increase over existing Amtrak trains.

"The next generation of Acela trains will set a new standard for rail service in the U.S., providing our customers with a superior travel experience," said Caroline Decker, vice president of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor Service Line, in a press release.

A trainset prototype is in production at Alstom's manufacturing plant in Hornell, New York, and will be completed in 2019. The first train is slated to enter service in 2021, with all 28 units slated to enter service by 2022's end.

In 2016, Amtrak announced plans to invest $2.45 billion in Acela Express service along the Northeast Corridor, including a contract with Alstom for the 28 high-speed trainsets.