I've been on trains around the world, and I must say the Amfleet coaches have some of the best second class seating I've ever experienced, especially when compared to trains like the IET in Britain and the ICE 4 in Germany. I can only hope that the new Airo sets are as comfortable, but I have my doubts. I certainly hope Amtrak sells the seats when the Amfleets (and Horizons which have identical seating) are removed from service. While they may be called "Northeast Regional" this is an intercity train rather than what you would consider a "regional" train. From the days of the Pennsylvania Railroad into the early 1990s, all of these trains carried their own distinct name like the Congressional, the Merchant's Limited and the Yankee Clipper. In the 1990s, the service as a whole was branded as NortheastDirect, but trains retained their separate names for a few more years. With electrification to Boston and the introduction of the Acela Express, all services in the Northeast were to be given an Acela brand name: Metroliner services would be replaced by new high speed Acela Express trains, Clocker would be rebranded to Acela Commuter, while NortheastDirect Empire and Keystone would be rebranded as Acela Regional. This got very confusing and Acela Commuter briefly reverted to Clocker before being canceled and Acela Regional trains were shortened to Regional (Empire and Keystone services never got the Acela Regional treatment that was planned). Later on as part of a brand refresh, the Regionals were renamed "Northeast Regional" and given the new logo that can be seen on the cafe car exterior. In early 2020 Acela Express became simply Acela.
Enjoyed the video. I'm always interested in hearing what people from outside the US think of our passenger rail system. I'll make a few comments to add some details. 1) The cars you rode on are the Amfleet 1 cars. These cars were introduced in 1975 and are now approaching 50 years in service. They are due to be replaced by new Siemens Airo trainsets. The cars are the Siemens Venture cars which are the US version of the Siemens Viaggio cars used by OBB. These new trainsets are to start arriving in 2025 so the Amfleet cars will see over 50 years in service. 2) You mentioned that US passengers cars have a lot of stainless steel. This goes all the way back to the 1940 and the streamliner era. One thing that's great about stainless steel is that paint doesn't stick to it very well. This prevents US passenger trains from becoming rolling "art galleries" like some many European trains have become. If a US train gets "tagged" a quick run through a high pressure car wash and all that "artwork" just washes right off. Oh how SNCF, DB, FS and a host of others would love to be able to do that. 3) The ACELA trains were produced by Bombardier in the late 90's. They are due to be replaced by new Alstom high speed trainsets later this year. These trains will be called the Amtrak Avelia Liberty and are based on the Avelia Horizon/TGV M under construction for the SNCF. I just found your channel. It was probably recommended since I follow Dylan's travel reports, Superalbs travels, Non stop Eurotrip and Simply Railway.
Yes, do leave some room for delays and if you can, try to take one of the trains that start in Washington, so there is less chance of it having picked up a delay enroute.
Hello, I will be traveling from New York to Boston in March, I have the Acela option which is more expensive and the nothest cheapest, nowadays in your opinion I can choose the cheapest one and the comfort will be similar or is there already a lot of difference, is there an updated train? ?
Amtrak conductors just love hearing themselves talk over the announcement system. Also, Americans don't know how to ride trains so they need lots of reminders for everything.
@@Simon-Andersen the reason why there are so many announcements specifically for Newark is because people confuse Newark Penn Station with both New York Penn Station and Newark Airport. Many Northeast Regional services along with Keystone services stop at Newark Liberty International Airport, which is the next station down the line from Newark Penn.
I've been on trains around the world, and I must say the Amfleet coaches have some of the best second class seating I've ever experienced, especially when compared to trains like the IET in Britain and the ICE 4 in Germany. I can only hope that the new Airo sets are as comfortable, but I have my doubts. I certainly hope Amtrak sells the seats when the Amfleets (and Horizons which have identical seating) are removed from service.
While they may be called "Northeast Regional" this is an intercity train rather than what you would consider a "regional" train. From the days of the Pennsylvania Railroad into the early 1990s, all of these trains carried their own distinct name like the Congressional, the Merchant's Limited and the Yankee Clipper. In the 1990s, the service as a whole was branded as NortheastDirect, but trains retained their separate names for a few more years.
With electrification to Boston and the introduction of the Acela Express, all services in the Northeast were to be given an Acela brand name: Metroliner services would be replaced by new high speed Acela Express trains, Clocker would be rebranded to Acela Commuter, while NortheastDirect Empire and Keystone would be rebranded as Acela Regional. This got very confusing and Acela Commuter briefly reverted to Clocker before being canceled and Acela Regional trains were shortened to Regional (Empire and Keystone services never got the Acela Regional treatment that was planned). Later on as part of a brand refresh, the Regionals were renamed "Northeast Regional" and given the new logo that can be seen on the cafe car exterior. In early 2020 Acela Express became simply Acela.
Took the Pennsylvanian from New York to Philly a few days ago. Fast, cheap and comfortable trip.
"the best way to enjoy NJ is from the comfort of your train seat" had my rolling. Shade
First time on a train from New York to Philadelphia tonight. This video kept me at peace and calm. Thank you.
Glad to help! Have a great trip
Enjoyed the video. I'm always interested in hearing what people from outside the US think of our passenger rail system. I'll make a few comments to add some details.
1) The cars you rode on are the Amfleet 1 cars. These cars were introduced in 1975 and are now approaching 50 years in service. They are due to be replaced by new Siemens Airo trainsets. The cars are the Siemens Venture cars which are the US version of the Siemens Viaggio cars used by OBB. These new trainsets are to start arriving in 2025 so the Amfleet cars will see over 50 years in service.
2) You mentioned that US passengers cars have a lot of stainless steel. This goes all the way back to the 1940 and the streamliner era. One thing that's great about stainless steel is that paint doesn't stick to it very well. This prevents US passenger trains from becoming rolling "art galleries" like some many European trains have become. If a US train gets "tagged" a quick run through a high pressure car wash and all that "artwork" just washes right off. Oh how SNCF, DB, FS and a host of others would love to be able to do that.
3) The ACELA trains were produced by Bombardier in the late 90's. They are due to be replaced by new Alstom high speed trainsets later this year. These trains will be called the Amtrak Avelia Liberty and are based on the Avelia Horizon/TGV M under construction for the SNCF.
I just found your channel. It was probably recommended since I follow Dylan's travel reports, Superalbs travels, Non stop Eurotrip and Simply Railway.
Thanks for the insight Eric! I'm looking forward to the new Avelia Horizon trains saw some parked outside the station in Philadelphia :-)
Nice video. We will take the same route next month.
Informative and well presented
Like the video, do more Amtrak trips plz! :)
At least 2 more to come :-)
Very good
Using the same service in just under 3 weeks time
Travel from the UK
I’m excited to see North American travels!
Yesssssss
High quality
is it safe to take it from Philly the same day we're flying from JFK?
Yes, do leave some room for delays and if you can, try to take one of the trains that start in Washington, so there is less chance of it having picked up a delay enroute.
Hello, I will be traveling from New York to Boston in March, I have the Acela option which is more expensive and the nothest cheapest, nowadays in your opinion I can choose the cheapest one and the comfort will be similar or is there already a lot of difference, is there an updated train? ?
The onboard comfort is basically the same, the main reason to chose Acela over the regional is speed on certain sections and fewer stops.
Amtrak conductors just love hearing themselves talk over the announcement system. Also, Americans don't know how to ride trains so they need lots of reminders for everything.
Bit of a culture difference, as a Nordic person a short next stop announcement is all I need 😆
@@Simon-Andersen the reason why there are so many announcements specifically for Newark is because people confuse Newark Penn Station with both New York Penn Station and Newark Airport. Many Northeast Regional services along with Keystone services stop at Newark Liberty International Airport, which is the next station down the line from Newark Penn.
True but nobody drives a pickup truck like us 🇺🇸
Is there enough space to store a large suitcase - or three :)
Yes! Plenty by the doors to the vestibule or above the seats if they are not heavy :-)
Thank you!@@Simon-Andersen
The bus fare from 30th street is fre e. For. Senior disabled with Medicare card holders😊
Moynihan sucks. What train station doesn’t have seating?
[Takes out paper towel, throws directly into trash] #America
How much did it cost?
19 bucks, but It varies based on time of booking and demand 😊