Amtrak's most anticipated NextGen Acela trains, described by the company as "an evolution of travel," officially began service on August 28. Not only do these sleek new fleet additions feature upgraded interiors, but they also promise passengers a smoother ride between major cities along the Northeast Corridor, such as Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. However, just weeks into service, some passengers are already questioning whether "high-speed" is the right term.
While NextGen Acela trains can technically reach speeds of up to 160 mph, many riders say their journeys still feel about the same as before. Unfortunately, this problem is not an easy fix for Amtrak, as the reason has little to do with the trains themselves and everything to do with what's underneath them.
Despite Amtra