In this provided photo, the new Airo train is seen in July 2026. In addition to improving the passenger experience, the trains contain advanced monitoring systems that will reduce vehicle downtime and travel delays.
Amtrak / Amtrak
Amtrak Cascades passengers in the Pacific Northwest will have the first chance in the country to ride the railroad’s new Airo trains when they debut on September 30.
Two new trains will make four daily trips between Vancouver, Seattle, Portland and Eugene, British Columbia. The rollout will continue until early 2027 with six additional trainsets expected, eventually replacing the existing Amfleet and Talgo trainsets.
The new trains, made in the United States by Siemens Mobility, are part of a larger effort by Amtrak to replace and expand its passenger fleet. The new trains include technical improvements that will speed up service on the Eastern Rail Corridor, where routes alternate between electric and diesel power.
For Cascades passengers, the most visible changes will occur inside the train with more comfortable seats, large accessible bathrooms and upgraded cafe cars. All seats have individual power outlets, USB-C chargers, larger tray tables and dedicated cup and tablet holders.
Chris Warner, acting director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, said Oregon continues to experience record rail traffic. “I hope this new train marks the start of a new era of rail travel in Oregon. It’s about building a passenger rail system that is modern, accessible, reliable and ready for the future.”
Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink described the new Airo trains as “the largest fleet replacement program in Amtrak’s 50-year history” and said the trains contain advanced monitoring systems that will reduce vehicle downtime and travel delays.
The initial Airo service will include these four daily journeys:
- Train 516: Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Train 508: Eugene to Seattle, 4:30 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.
- Train 503: Seattle to Eugene, 7:10 a.m. to 1:48 p.m.
- Train 519: Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seattle, 4:45 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.
Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith called the new trains a “game changer for rail transportation in the Pacific Northwest,” saying they will bring improved comfort and convenience to the corridor.
Amtrak initially purchased 73 Airo trainsets for use nationwide, then added 10 more after demand for train travel exceeded expectations. Additional Airo trains are expected to enter service on other Amtrak routes as production continues.
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