Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils New Acela Trains, Announces Plan to Reclaim Management of Union Station
Actions are part of broader initiative to improve travel for the American people, Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today joined Amtrak leaders to celebrate the launch of the new Acela trainsets and announce that the Department of Transportation (USDOT) is reclaiming management of Washington Union Station. This historic building has been a USDOT asset since the 1980s, and strong direction is needed to restore this federal asset to its former glory.
“With these new Acela trainsets, Amtrak will provide more reliable service and lower prices for the American people – all while increasing the organization’s profitability,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “But we’re not stopping there. Instead of being a point of pride, Washington’s Union Station has fallen into disrepair. By reclaiming station management, we will help make this city safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost.”
“President Trump and Secretary Duffy are doing what they do best: making big, beautiful projects come to life. The launch of the new Acela is a critical starting point as we work to improve travel for millions of Americans. I look forward to working closely with our team at Amtrak and the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation to focus our attention on Union Station and make it a world class transit hub. Our nation’s capital should be putting our best foot forward,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steve Bradbury.
“Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. The future of high-speed rail starts now.”
“From the moment our guests step onboard, they’ll feel the difference of a NextGen Acela train thanks to a more modern, premium, and elevated experience,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “We are grateful for Secretary Duffy and Deputy Secretary Bradbury’s support on the project, and for helping it get over the finish line so Northeast Corridor residents and visitors can enjoy a whole new way to travel.”
“The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in America. The team at Alstom has brought nearly five decades of global experience in high-speed rail to the United States to deliver the fastest and most technologically advanced trains in the nation,” said CEO of Alstom Henri Poupart-Lafarge. “We thank Amtrak for their trust and partnership, the Federal Railroad Administration and USDOT for their leadership, our suppliers, designers, engineers and especially the hard-working men and women in Hornell who are building these high-speed trains in America, for America.”
Background On Union Station:
USDOT has owned Washington Union Station since the early 1980s, but its control has been steadily reduced under various agreements and leases. During this period, Washington Union Station has become dilapidated. It is known more as a center for vagrancy than a hub for commerce and travel.
Prior to today’s announcement, the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) controlled the parking structure but received little other revenue, leaving far too little funding to keep the historic station in good repair. Amtrak, however, recently acquired a sublease from USRC that will allow retail income to be reinvested back into the station’s infrastructure.
Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy’s leadership, USDOT will now leverage the valuable commercial aspects of Union Station, under the direct management of USRC, to reinvest in Union Station. The capital needs of Union Station include improvements to elevators, lighting, and security along with enhancements to the passenger experience and replacing the roof and other major systems.
USDOT anticipates that reinvestment and improved security will dramatically improve the income from the station, which should unlock opportunities for private investment as part of potential expansion of the station.
USDOT is renegotiating a cooperative agreement with the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) and Amtrak. In September, formal action confirming the USDOT’s renewed control of Washington Union Station is to be expected.
Background On the Launch of the New Acela:
Over a decade ago, Amtrak began the program to replace the original Acela Express trainsets with cutting-edge replacements. Amtrak selected a new design that is now entering revenue operation for the first time during the Trump Administration. America is Building Again, and Amtrak passengers are some of the many beneficiaries.
Learn more about what the new Acela has to offer HERE.