Highlighting Event: Acela 2.0 Launches Historically at Penn Station for the First Time
New Acela Train Makes Its Debut at Penn Station
A new era of high-speed rail travel has begun in the United States as the second-generation Acela train, officially known as the Avelia Liberty, made its grand entrance at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.
John Hyland, former executive director at Penn Station for the Long Island Rail Road, expressed his excitement to see the new train in operation. He noted the growth of high-speed travel over the last 25 years, especially with the opening of Moynihan in 2021. Hyland stated that high-speed rail has been an envy in America due to other countries successfully implementing it, but now some American ambition and know-how are coming to fruition.
The train, assembled by Alstom in Hornell, boasts a sleeker look with automatic sliding doors and an airplane-like nose. Passengers boarded the train, and train fans waited outside for its scheduled departure at 10:12 a.m. Visitors rushed in to see the train's cab and took pictures.
The new Acela train model offers wide comfortable seating, a business class, and a cafe car. The train could potentially reach speeds of up to 220 mph, but will initially operate at 160 mph. Phil Meade, the train's engineer, described the ride as being like a Mercedes M Class, and the train's ride is smoother, especially on curves.
Oliver Lees, a 12-year-old from Queens, took pictures of the train as it pulled away, stating it was a moment of history. Hyland believes this development is incredible for all the riders that come in and out of Penn Station every day, as the new train is a significant step forward in modernising America's rail infrastructure.
The new Penn Station, as promised by the Trump Administration, is expected next. With the arrival of the Avelia Liberty, it's clear that the future of high-speed rail travel in the U.S. is looking brighter than ever.
