Amtrak is investing in an extensive overhaul of its train interiors on more than a dozen popular services operating in the Northeast and Midwest aimed at introducing a more modern, more comfortable experience for customers.
Beginning this month, Amtrak coach cars will begin to undergo a series of major improvements including:
- Brand-new seat cushions
- New carpeting
- New LED reading lights
- New bathroom flooring
- Upgraded wainscoting and bulkhead
- New curtains in Business Class cars
- Redesigned galleys in the café cars
The total investment is valued at more than $16 million.
“Amtrak is committed to offering a premium customer experience and these modernized interior features are a marked improvement in the overall ambience on board,” said Wick Moorman, Amtrak Co-CEO. “The upgrades offer customers what they told us they want more of during their travels – a more comfortable, refreshed look and feel.”
The overhaul will take place on equipment known as Amfleet I, which includes more than 450 Amtrak coach cars across the national network. Amfleet I equipment forms the backbone of many of our state corridor services, which have been the fastest growing segment of Amtrak’s business.
The refresh will take approximately nine months to complete and customers can expect a progression of upgrades during that time, with the approximate delivery schedule:
- Fall 2017: Installation of Business Class carpets and cushions, Coach Class carpets and cushions, LED lighting, upgraded restrooms.
- Winter 2017: Continued installation of carpets, cushions, and LED lighting. First installations of Business Class curtains, refreshed wainscoting and bulkhead, and refreshed café cars.
- Spring & Summer 2018: Final installations of all items.
Expect to see the new interiors roll out on the following services: Northeast Regional (including trains to Springfield), Vermonter, Downeaster, Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone, Springfield Shuttles, Pennsylvanian and Carolinian. In the Midwest, customers will see upgrades on the Illinois Service, Hiawatha, Missouri River Runner and Michigan Services.
Amtrak schedules will not change due to the refresh. For complete details, visit Amtrak.com/refresh.
