Amtrak Upgrades Sleeper Cars and Coaches With $28 MiIllion Project
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Amtrak is in the middle of a substantial multi-million dollar project with upgrades aimed at enhancing the passenger experience across its extensive network. This initiative comes in response to a notable increase in passenger interest and marks a significant milestone for the company.
Amtrak Upgrades Long Distance Train Experience
The project, which spans all 450 long-haul passenger rail cars, addresses the pressing need to modernize Amtrak’s aging fleet, most of which dates back to the 1980s and 1990s. Despite periodic updates, a comprehensive refurbishment was long overdue.
Both the iconic double-decker Superliner and the single-level Viewliner long-distance overnight trains are undergoing refurbishment as part of this project. While Viewliner trains primarily operate along the U.S. East Coast, Superliner routes traverse the country from the Midwest to the Southwest and West Coast.
This article details what you’ll find on board with the completion of Amtrak’s $28 million refurbishment project.
My photos of the extensive upgrades found on all of Amtrak’s Viewliner and Superliner passenger trains show modernized sleeping cars, dining cars and menus, sightseer lounges and coach seats.
Sleeping Accommodations Get a Makeover
Passengers will find a range of enhancements in the newly refurbished private sleeper cars. These upgrades include improved bedding with new mattresses, thicker pillows, plush towels, and softer sheets. Individually-wrapped blankets offer additional comfort and warmth.
Amtrak will introduce soap dispensers in all bedrooms and wall-mounted pump dispensers in showers, filled with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This will eliminate all those individual bars of soap in the community shower.
“We are marking a new era in customer experience for our historic routes that serve the country with comfortable and affordable coach seating and private rooms,” said Roger Harris, Amtrak Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. “As we mark Amtrak’s 50th anniversary this year, these significant investments in the long distance network lay the foundation for our next decades of service.”
Amtrak Upgrades Bedrooms and Roomettes
Superliner Bedrooms, Amtrak’s premier private accommodations, have undergone a significant transformation. Featuring contemporary color palettes and updated furnishings, these rooms comfortably accommodate two adults and a child.
Each Bedroom boasts a private bathroom with a shower, enhancing the overall travel experience. For me, this is the best reason to travel in a Bedroom. I love having my own bathroom!
The sofa folds out into an almost-double bed with the bud folding down above it. The upper bunk has a ladder to climb up and guard net for safety.
Dining is upgraded on Amtrak Long Distance Trains
After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, Amtrak has restored traditional dining service on most west-bound trains. This includes new menus, too.
The west and southwest bound trains include California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle.
Texas Eagle, that travels between Chicago and Los Angeles offers the Flexible Menu on the route between Chicago and San Antonio, Texas.
In addition to the return of the Dining Car and its Traditional menu, diners will once again see white tablecloths, real table utensils and although plastic, new Amtrak logo dinner plates.
Tables still have community seating (this means you may find yourself dining with strangers) and for now, are only available to passengers in the sleeping cars. This is expected to change soon.
Amtrak Coach Seating Upgrades
New colors, cushions and carpets on both levels of Superliners. The lower level has 12 coach seats and the upper level has 62 of the same seats, all with generous space and reclining pitch.
Dining for Superliner Coach Class
While as yet, Amtrak coach passengers do not have access to the dining car, there is a Café Car on all trains to purchase meals, snacks and beverages. You can also bring your own food if that’s more economical or preferred.
Northeast Corridor trains and Acela high-speed trains also have an upgraded menu.
More New Improvements for Amtrak
A lot has been happening at Amtrak over the last few months. Aside from the newly refurbished Superliner and Viewliner trains:
- Amtrak has restored daily service on all 12 long distance train routes.
- USA Rail Pass features are expanded. USA Rail Passes give riders up to ten rides within a 30-day window.
- The BidUp Program has been expanded so that you can bid up from Coach Class to Business Class, Acela Class or a sleeper.
Final Thoughts on Amtrak’s Million-Dollar Upgrades
Amtrak’s commitment to improving its long-distance train services marks a significant step forward for rail travel in the United States. With a focus on modernization and passenger comfort, Amtrak is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of travelers across the country.
As the upgrades continue to roll out, I look forward to an even more enjoyable and convenient rail travel experience with Amtrak.
I’m a bit jaded, too. I’ve been a loyal Amtrak passenger since the company began in 1971. It will be extremely exciting to experience all the new refurbishments and upgrades that are already implemented or coming down the tracks in the near future.
