January 15, 2026
Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put First Track into Service
The post Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put First Track into Service appeared...
Fleet Restoration: As of Summer 2024, over 270 Superliner cars have been refreshed and are now in revenue service.
Total of 63 Long Distance cars projected to be restored by the end of 2024.
Amtrak is engaged in numerous efforts to enhance its Long Distance service — both in the immediate future and over the longer term.
The planned replacement of the Long Distance network fleet is the most significant effort underway. In addition to that program, upgrades to existing passenger cars, onboard amenities, customer experience, and more are also underway.
Amtrak Long Distance routes include:
A new generation of Long Distance diesel-electric locomotives commenced in 2022 with the introduction of the ALC-42 “Amtrak Long-distance Charger” by Siemens Mobility. Amtrak is committing up to $2 billion for the delivery of this order — 125 engines in total — as well as multi-year maintenance support. Made in the U.S., these locomotives are cleaner, faster, more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. In addition to a greater top speed of 125 mph and less fuel consumption, the engines reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than 89% and particulate matter by 95%.
To extend the life of the current fleet, Amtrak is providing interior upgrades to all Long Distance passenger cars. Fully-refreshed Amfleet II cars—including new seating cushions, carpets, curtains and LED reading lights—have entered into revenue service. This has enhanced service on six Long Distance routes that serve the East Coast: Cardinal, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited, Palmetto, Silver Meteor and Silver Star. Amtrak is modernizing the interiors of over 400 bi-level Superliner cars—with new seating cushions and upholstery, carpet, LED lighting, tables and curtains. The scope of the project includes four Superliner car types: Coaches, Sleeping Cars, Dining Cars and Sightseer Lounges. Amtrak has invested $28 million in this refresh, which extends the useful life of passenger cars that were delivered in the 1980s and 1990s.
Amtrak has commenced a two-year maintenance program to accelerate the restoration of fleet previously damaged or placed in long-term storage. The scope of the project spans all major types of Long Distance equipment—both single-level and bi-level—including:
Since the program began, over a dozen cars have re-entered revenue service—with a total 63 projected to be restored by the end of 2024.
Traditional Dining
As an exclusive, complimentary offering for customers traveling in First Class private rooms, traditional dining features menus with a variety of entrée selections. In 2021, traditional dining on the West Coast was reimagined with the introduction of a redesigned menu featuring chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and a three course dinner. Traditional Dining service is offered on the Auto Train, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Floridian, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle (between San Antonio and Los Angeles).
There are now eight Long Distance routes offering this First Class dining service. To learn more about Amtrak’s traditional dining service and browse sample menus, visit Amtrak.com/traditionaldining. For a photo gallery of some of the most popular, delicious items, click here.
Amtrak has invested more than $765 million in station upgrade and improvement projects across its network to create a safe, efficient and comfortable travel experience for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
An investment of $800 million since 2011 brought 119 Amtrak stations to full ADA compliance – and another 65 stations that are complete except for platforms – with all Amtrak responsible stations on track for full investments in 2029.
In addition, a redesigned ADA-accessible bathroom is being added to 23 Superliner I Coach cars. New flooring, upholstery, insulation, plumbing and HVAC modifications make for an improved customer experience, combined with a changing room and a power-controlled door.
January 15, 2026
The post Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put First Track into Service appeared...
January 8, 2026
The post VIDEO: Amtrak’s Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia’s Gray 30th Street Station appeared first on Amtrak Media.
December 19, 2025
The post VIDEO: Building the Future of American Passenger Rail appeared first on Amtrak Media.
December 1, 2025
🌉Amtrak is proud to partner with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) on the Long Bridge Project, a transformative investment...