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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

America’s Great Corridors of Commerce RFI is now available

Amtrak III

Picture of the Amtrak NextGen Acela
Alternate Project Name
NextGen Acela System, Acela III
Project Type
Public Transit
Financing Type
RRIF
Status
Credit Agreement Executed
Sponsor/Borrower
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
Project Description

The Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing (RRIF) loan supports the Amtrak III project along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The elements of the project include:

  • Purchasing 28 Tier III next generation high speed trainsets for the Acela service along the NEC,
  • Acquiring spare parts for the trainsets,
  • Improving Washington Union and Moynihan Station,
  • Upgrading the rail line between Baltimore, Maryland and New Carrolton, Maryland.

The Amtrak III project is expected to provide the first high-speed trains under the NextGen Acela System to replace the original Acela Express trainsets, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and serve as a reliable substitute for airports in the NEC. The reinvestment for Union Station will include improvements to elevators, lighting, and security that will help increase the revenue of the station.      

Read the press release here.

Project Link
NextGen Acela Train Info
Project Details
RRIF Assistance
$2450.00M
Project Cost
$2450.00M
Fiscal Year Closed
FY2016
Duration/Status
The NextGen Acela service has been launched in August 28, 2025 where five of the new Acela trains began revenue service along the Northeast Corridor.
Project Delivery/Contract Method
The new Acela high speed rail trainsets is produced by Alstom under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) equipment delivery contract.
Innovations
The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in America.
Application Details
Applicant
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
Credit Agreement Executed
Initial Eligibility Review
Review Complete
Creditworthiness Review
Review Complete
Application Review
Review Complete
Estimated Project Cost
$2450.00M
RRIF Request
$2450.00M
Instrument Type
Direct Loan