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Amtrak Unveils First High-Speed Train in U.S.
The first of a new generation of 150 MPH passenger trains was unveiled by Amtrak on March 9, 1999, to run between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.
By GSReport
Start Date: 3/10/99
On March 9, 1999, America's government-subsidized passenger rail service, AMTRAK, unveiled its first high-speed train system, which will begin regular service between Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C. in October. Dubbed "Acela," the new rail service employs all-electric trains that will travel at 150 miles per hour, substantially reducing current rail travel times along the busy Northeast Corridor.
AMTRAK, which has never turned a profit since its founding in 1971, has been given until 2002 to become self-sufficient by the U.S. Congress. Last year, the company showed a substantial improvement in revenues and on-time performance. With the introduction of Acela, AMTRAK officials hope to finally turn the corner on profitability.
So-called "Bullet trains" have been in service for years in Japan and France. Acela trains are not as fast as the French TGV -- which tops out at about 185 miles per hour -- but they represent a big step in U.S. rail service.
AMTRAK believes the new trains can capture a bigger share of the total Northeast travel market, because Acela's actual travel time between city centers will approach that of air travel at about 30% lower fare. The newly-designed Acela cars are also similar to aircraft interiors, with locking overhead bins, audio entertainment in each seat and improved lavatories and dining facilities.
If all goes well, the Acela system will be the first of several high-speed rail lines that will eventually serve markets in the Chicago-Great Lakes area, the Southeast and Gulf Coast, and along much of California and the Pacific Northwest.
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