Amtrak's new Acela gets speed testing ahead of 2021 rollout: "It's going to be a game changer"

[mahatmakanejeeves]

I saw the video this morning, but I couldn't find the story online. Hat tip for the link, millerdc at Trainorders

CBS NEWS October 9, 2020, 10:38 AM

Amtrak's new Acela gets speed testing ahead of 2021 rollout: "It's going to be a game changer"

Amtrak's new Acela, which is America's fastest train, is undergoing speed testing at a sprawling 30,000-acre facility outside Pueblo, Colorado. The rollout of the train continues despite furloughs and possible layoffs at the company due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Next year, the new Acela will start rolling down the tracks between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. at up to 160 miles an hour.

"It's going to be a game changer for many people," Amtrak Vice President Caroline Decker told CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave, who got an exclusive first look at the trains.

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[Wicked Blue]

1. Cool. Maybe Joe can commute home from the White House on the Acela

and get home in time for dinner

[COLGATE4]

2. While the train may be capable of 160MPH

the existing (antique) track system will keep it to around 70 MPH. You can't build high speed rail (like the rest of the world) piecemeal.

[VMA131Marine]

3. There are certainly parts of the route where speed is limited

But there are also sections where the Acela hits it’s top speed. Unfortunately, there are many places where the Acela has to share the track with other traffic, notably MetroNorth from New Haven to NYC and then again west of the Hudson between NYC and Philly. A dedicated track would be required to have a true high speed line. The train does typically travel much faster than 70 mph though. It’s also a much more pleasant experience than flying.