What speeds and trip times will the Avelia Liberty/Acela II bring? The headline number in the articles about the new trainsets bill a top speed of 160 MPH, up from the current 150 MPH top speed in part of RI & MA but it doesn't tell us what improvement there would be elsewhere and the impact on trip times. For instance, will the 160 MPH speed apply to the fastest stretches south of NYC, namely Trenton to New Brunswick and Perryville to Wilmington where the current Acelas max out at 135 MPH? Could the new trainsets run faster at the slowest sections, e.g., running 40 MPH instead of 30 MPH.
The headlines all talk about the top speed of 160 MPH and the goal of 186 MPH pending track upgrades but there isn't much about the real world impact on travel times or on speeds south of NYC, which is where most Acela riders travel. I know Amtrak's goal is a 2 hour trip time between NYC and Washington but a lot of that will come from infrastructure upgrades. How much does the new trainset contribute towards that goal?
Anyone have any information or informed speculation about the above? Thanks.
The headlines all talk about the top speed of 160 MPH and the goal of 186 MPH pending track upgrades but there isn't much about the real world impact on travel times or on speeds south of NYC, which is where most Acela riders travel. I know Amtrak's goal is a 2 hour trip time between NYC and Washington but a lot of that will come from infrastructure upgrades. How much does the new trainset contribute towards that goal?
Anyone have any information or informed speculation about the above? Thanks.