Amtrak began passenger service Wednesday with new Airo trainsets on its Cascades route, launching the fleet first in the Pacific Northwest
Amtrak began passenger service Wednesday with new Airo trainsets on its Cascades route, launching the fleet first in the Pacific Northwest.
Two new trainsets will operate four daily trips between Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon, Amtrak said.
Additional trains are expected to enter service through early 2027, eventually replacing the existing Amtrak Cascades fleet.
Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Cascades route, along with two locomotives and a spare cab car.
An image of the New Amtrak Cascades Trains 503, 508, 516, and 519. (Amtrak Cascades)The new trains have more than 300 seats per trainset and include panoramic windows, adjustable-headrest seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports, and digital customer information displays, according to Amtrak.
The trains also include accessible seating, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding, and six restrooms with touchless controls.
The onboard cafe will offer food and beverages inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
The initial schedule includes northbound Train 516 from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., departing at 8:30 a.m., and Train 508 from Eugene to Seattle, departing at 4:30 p.m. Southbound service includes Train 503 from Seattle to Eugene, departing at 7:10 a.m., and Train 519 from Vancouver to Seattle, departing at 4:45 p.m.
The trainsets carry an evergreen, cream, and mocha color palette and design elements inspired by the Cascade Range.
Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith said the Cascades route is the first in the country to place the Airo trains into service.
Siemens Mobility manufactured the trainsets in the United States.
Amtrak said the trains include components from nearly 100 suppliers in 31 states.
Amtrak plans to deploy Airo trainsets on other routes, with Northeast Regional service expected to begin using the fleet in late 2027.
