How Amtrak's ACELA is the SLOWEST High Speed Train in the World
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
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I took a ride on America's Fastest Train, that goes at an ear blistering 150mph (for a couple of miles).
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Amtrak Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Washington) are more likely to be on time because Amtrak owns the tracks. Amtrak's other routes are generally on tracks owned by freight lines, so the freight trains get first priority.
You're right that they own most of them, but not all. From New Rochelle to the CT-RI border, it is owned by the MTA or CTDOT
So that's where they might get delayed
@@casondean8271 On the NYC-Boston leg, Amtrak only owns south of New Rochelle and from New Haven to the RI-MA border. New Rochelle to New Haven is Metro North and the part in Massachusetts is MBTA-owned.
@@casondean8271 Not to often really. Metro North is pretty good about their own things being on time too and there are plenty of tracks there.
And even with owning the tracks and having a train capable of 150mph, it's not much faster than driving. This country needs high speed rail.
I love that you travel with various means of transport and not just air travel.
You never disappoint with your content.
Keep up the great work as always.
I second this
Thank you!
@@noelphilips You're welcome.
@@noelphilips A train can only be called a fast train if the rails can support an average speed of at least 200 km/hour or 125 miles/hour. like a freeway, it doesn't matter what type of car it is if the road is designed to be driven at an average speed of at least 100km/h or 62 miles/h. can only be called a freeway
I absolutely love trains. I guess this ties into non-car transportation as a whole, but theres something so cozy about sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the ride. The fact that you can relax, look out the window, and do whatever you want while the train makes it way to your destination always makes me feel so cozy and safe. Loved this video, and as a college student living in Philadelphia, I'd love to take Amtrak one day!
If your goal is just to get to ride Amtrak, they've got new 'night owl' fares on the Northeast Regional that will allow you to book a ticket from Philadelphia to New York or Washington DC for only $10 one-way, provided you choose a departure between 7pm and 5am and you book a bit in advance. You can also go to Baltimore or Newark, NJ for only $5 each way. You'd probably have to return the same night unless you want to pay for a hotel, but being in Philadelphia, it's an easy to experience the train!
I would love to imagine Noel's reaction if he emerged in the "old" Penn Station. 😄😄😄
Me too 😂
Run for your life!
Another great review by Noel, I had just watched SimplyRailways version of the Amtrak Acela and his tray table was broken lol :D
I still think next time he should take a tour lol really take in the beauty 🤣 since I always enter/ leave nyc on NJT I still go there more than the pretty side
I remember the old Penn Station-just awful. The scenery on this route is gorgeous.😊
Your first class ticket would have also given you access to the lounge at Moynihan Train Hall in NYC on arrival. It's a much nicer lounge than the one in Boston, and they enough food there that you wouldn't have had to find a restaurant.
Has anyone else noticed that Noel sighs so much, lol. 😂😂😂
As a person who grew up riding trains as my dad worked for the railroad, I have always loved riding Amtrak. The issue is even though Acela can do 150 it is stymied by speed restrictions set by cities and boroughs. And, Amtrak is now more expensive than flying. Best deal is to get a yearly pass if offered in your state. My dad has a lifetime pass.
Are you sure? Tickets from Newark, NJ to Washington, DC may not be very expensive and it may cost five times as much to fly between them.
None of the restrictions on the Northeast Corridor have anything to do with restrictions set by cities and boroughs. The restrictions have to do with the track profile and signal systems. Nothing more.
Yes, New England is gorgeous. As someone who was born and raised in Philadelphia, and now in college in the Philadelphia, I really need to get myself up to New England more👍🏼😆😁
I did that journey on the Acela in July 2018 and there is a video of it on my channel. I found it pretty slow because, as you said in your video, it doesn't go at 150 mph very often. As you noted, some of the scenery is awe-inspiring. In June 2019 I returned to the USA, and rode the New York to Washington segment on a NE Regional train, not an Acela. This was because, booking the day before, the cheapest Acela one way fare was $400! I got a return on NE Regional for about $300. Even the lady at the ticket office at Penn Station seemed embarrassed by that Acela fare. By the way, you might want to go back at some point, because I think new trains are due to be introduced on the Acela. Your video was great.
Will be easier for Noel to try out now that he lives in Texas!
Just discovered your videos yesterday, and coincidentally you're back in America! Boston's South station is so pretty, and didn't realize a "fast" train existed in the US. Been bingewatching Japanese Bullet train videos by STJ and SST and wondered if you'd consider reviewing the Shinkasean or anything similar in the future, if you haven't already.
You're always so polite to the crews and staff that you encounter in all your videos, which is extremely refreshing to anybody working with the public, ESPECIALLY travel companies. My mother was once a gate agent for American Airlines, and as seen the worst of humanity. Keep it up, and stay healthy and safe as you document your adventures for us at home to relax to. Thank you from Illinois!
She didn't want to scan the QR code!
I have taken this train a few times but in business class. Acela is only First and business. The business class seems to be a better for seating. However, there is no meal service. The views riding along the Connecticut coast are spectacular. Also, N.B the speed of 150mph is only on certain parts of the journey. The condition of the track does not allow continuous speed of 150mph.
If you watched the last bit of the video he does state this about the speed.
It isn't the condition of the track -- which is very good -- but rather the alignment, and, especially between New Haven and New York, the congestion. The alignment from New Haven east to the Rhode Island border winds around every. little. inlet. and. bay, drawbridge by drawbridge.
This is one of the reason I like your VDOs, you just don't limit to airliner.
but there are some people that will be upset that it wasnt about planes
@@nurilha you can't please everyone I guess
While in America we took the train from NY down to DC. Went standard cattle class but even that was perfectly comfortable and acceptable. I actually really enjoyed the train down and getting to see more of America
Extra points, not only for the hot meal but silverware, too. My gran had a lifetime pass w/ CP rail (way back in the day) and full meal service with white table linen was standard fare on cross Canada rail. Now you're lucky to get microwaved burgers. Noel Philips - Making Bald Great Again.
i would LOVE to see you fly to Japan and go on the bullet train and all that amazingness of trains. The on time factor there is absolutely insane for their rail network
Are you sure? I believe I’ve seen someone in another video express his dissatisfaction with the Shinkansen network and how it is regularly late.
Yes I would agree! I lived in Japan for a while, and when I was in the cities I don't remember taking an on time train. Was very disappointed actually 😂
Strange definition of first class, just like US planes.
This makes me happy to see. I've only taken our Northeast Regional train when going to New York. After seeing this video, I think I'll treat myself and take the Acela train for the first time!
It’s totally worth it
@@benfelps I'll definitely try it for sure! I travel to New York a lot 😆
no better time to treat yourself than at christmas :)
@@walkietalkietraveller2932 That's a pretty good idea! And I can go see the Big Christmas tree too!
I’m from Boston, so I’m glad to hear that you liked what you saw in your brief trip! You’ll have to try going through Logan Airport again in the future. I use Acela whenever traveling between Boston and DC, because its stress free and puts you in the middle of any city along that northeast corridor, though I have been curious to try tailwind. They’re actually replacing all the Acela coaches in the next 3-6 months, the new trains should be faster and have a more refreshed interior.
Problem is the outdated tracks, not the train itself
@@polarix2314 it has nothing to do with the age of the tracks. The tracks are not old. It has to do with the route. It’s the number of curves and movable Bridges. That’s the problem.
You will not see the new Acela in service this year. Next year (2024) at the earliest.
Went into the lounge to show us sofas, did it have food or anything interesting?
I would love to check out the Acela as well, but when i saw the price tag on this "highspeed" train that wish was gone 🤣 It's so insane overprized. I'd rather eat my lunch in a 200mph ICE, Eurostar or Thalys for a quarter of the price (and probably 3x the distance). Train travel in the US seems to be more of a hobby then serious mobility.
We have this fantasy in the US that trains should pay their own way, and be additionally lumbered with arbitrary 1950s-vintage regulations on crash safety (based on the outdated concept of "buff strength" -- this is pre-Volvo-safety-cage stuff) that added so much weight to the Acela and therefore so much power consumption and such a limitation on speed that the workers at the French car-body-shell contractor referred to it as "le cochon" (the "pig"), while we characterize subsidizing airlines and roads as an "investment". Amtrak managed to drag regulators halfway to reality for the new Acela trains that are replacing existing equipment over the next year (a third more trains, each one with a third more seats, that use a third less power), while Joe Biden (in 2016 when he was vice president) cooked up a pretty sweet financing deal on the new trains, so at least they won't be drowning in interest costs, and we'll see how that all works. Hopefully faster and not quite so outrageously expensive.
Definitely ride the train! You don't have all of the hassle you do when flying - that puts me "on edge"! Bonus is that you get to see the country at a slower pace.
yep, lots to be said for going by train. very doable to explore Europe by train as well.
Hey, I've taken several trains out of London, it's ain't that beautiful along the rails ether. But then again, while people love transit, few like living right on top of it.
150 MPH 😂 stone age speed 😮 unreal how far behind Old America is with train travel 😂
Been waiting for my Sunday fix!
What a fantastic journey Noel. The sun is shining 🌻🌟 thank goodness 😊👍👍
Have taken this one before. If only it would actually run at 150 MPH for any substantial amount of time
It seemed a bit noisy on the train but I suppose Americans do have a reputation for speaking more loudly than other nationalities.
Can't say I prefer one over the other. Like you, I would do both! I was only in New York a few days but I loved it! Same with Boston!
Thank you for showing my home city of stamford at the end
Is anyone gonna say it ?
We mainly watch you for your personality and interaction with people, the air travel is great but would love to see more Vlogs.
All the best.
Your walk from Southie to South Station took you right past my apartment! I walk these streets every day; I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Noel! Love my neighborhood. :)
Ah, the lovely Alstom USA chime that we also get to endure on the Pacific Surfliner cars. P.S. Between Route 128 station and Providence, you passed over the Canton Viaduct which is from the 1830s and is designed by the Artist Whistler's (of Whistler's Mother fame) father. The work in Massachusetts got Mr. Whistler a job in Russia building the St. Petersburg to Moscow railway which is where his son learned to draw.
The cost on Acela and the “regular” train varies so widely it’s worth shopping around for day/time combos. I paid less than $90 for the Acela one way from Philly to Boston and the regular train was almost double the price (and slower) at the same time.
Glad we got to see a lot of the scenery at 150mph!
Well, thank you Noel! One of my "I'll do it eventually" items is to visit the WTC. Being Californian, I instinctively think "car" to go anywhere. Your Tradewinds video was interesting...until I looked at prices. 😱
Just did a quick lookup for Acela; even first class would be relatively cheap. Figure I can visit a longtime friend in Boston, take Acela to Penn Station, then either take the subway or just walk.
Again, thanks for the option! 👍
Be mindful in order to get cheap acela, it must be bought well in advance. There's so many fare buckets that will bump up the price as it gets more full
I would travel through the plane, the experience is unique. BTW, the Boston lounge is so BEAUTIFUL
I love your video, please no more background music!!!
When you said you were pulling into New Haven, you meant to say New London, as you were travelling beneath the Gold Star Bridge. And, Crocker's Boatyard is in New London.
Nice video, Noel. Trains with speeds from
125 mph or 200 kmph on are to be counted as high speed trains. Trains with speeds between 99 mph or 160 kmph are to be counted as higher speed trains.
Always a good day when I see a new video from you Noel. One day I'd love to see you fly up northern Canada through some of the small planes there!
Not sure how long you've been here, but Noel did fly on the 737 Combi up to the North but not on any "little planes"
@@davidwolfhudson Watching now! :)
You’ve been to Connecticut at least twice and you still haven’t stopped and said hi 😅
1:47
You: Hello
Her: reservation number
Talk about that high customer service standard!
Interesting video Noel ! Lovely to see a train running on a Sunday without a substitute bus lol . 😀
Thanks for watching!
@@noelphilips A train can only be called a fast train if the rails can support an average speed of at least 200 km/hour or 125 miles/hour. like a freeway, it doesn't matter what type of car it is if the road is designed to be driven at an average speed of at least 100km/h or 62 miles/h. can only be called a freeway
Amtrak is usually behind on most of their long haul trains (ones that are say more than 8 hours or so, at least in my experience). Even going from Chicago to St Louis which is about 5-6 hours, every time I've done that trip, there has been delays, mainly waiting for freight trains even though in many open places, there are two sets of tracks. That's kind of the problem I think with the American rail system -- the passenger trains and freight trains all use the same lines, whereas in other countries that may not be the case (for example, the high speed trains in some countries may use their own set of tracks). I think maybe only the return trip from NYC to Chicago I had back in 2016 was about 30 minutes early, but I thin they also padded the travel time by an hour or two (like airlines do) to make them look better, as there were some delays at some of the stops I'm sure (as one of the conductors told me at one of the stops "We usually don't spend this much time at this station" --I think we were at that station for maybe 20-30 minutes instead of the 10-15 he mentioned).
But to be honest, I usually just fly when I can as I am usually on some sort of schedule, and there is less delays in most cases flying into/out of New York in my experience (but that's only going from Chicago to NYC and back primarily). It's also that the train does cost a bit if you get a sleeper car. And probably is still quite a bit even if you get a standard economy seat (when I went in 2016 it was about $100 each way but I suspect with inflation this has gone up and costs about as much as a plane ticket, maybe even more in some cases as you can find cheap flights from Chicago to Laguardia at least for cheap at various times of the year (like $150 or less round trip).
Traveling from a place I hate to a place I will never willing travel to...
Hi, Noel🙋❤🤍💙. Come back to LA and take the Amtrak from LA to Seattle, WA. 33 hours. Gorgeous route! Stay safe. 🙏🚆🚆
The Moynihan train hall is SUCH a step up from what was Penn Station before it opened - still wish that some day they'd rebuild Penn Station as it was before Madisoon Square Garden was built, but hey, I can dream, can't I?
I did the Acela from Boston to Providence back in November 2024 and I felt like it only took 20 minutes, blew my Pittsburgh yinzer mind!
Thanks Noel!!!! so nice to see the trainroute i also did in december 2019, in a winter landscape!
Greetings from Breda in the Netherlands!
Thanks for the review, Noel. I sometimes used to ride this train one stop from just south of Boston to visit my girlfriend when she lived in Providence, over the stretch it mostly does 150 mph. Barely had time to take my seat and let her know I was on my way before I was stepping off again! But particularly in winter weather the drive is miserable and the "Girlfriend Express" was worth the price
Our high speed train the tilt train in Australia goes even slower than 150 miles. It only reaches 160 Km but only for a short time. It does an average of 85 Km.
Good video.
would be nice to know the price per mile..plane vs train...which is more economical and more functional in terms of where the starting point is and where the final destination is..cheers Noel! thank you for another great video!
My father worked for the Pullman Co from the late 30's until they went out of business. He was called an Inspector & he was the man the workers did not want to see boarding the train. He inspected ecerything & everyone & could fire anyone who was not doing their job.Also, if the company had received complaints, he would check them out. We rode for free & always in deluxe accomodations & I grew up traveling on trains. I love trains to this day & rode the train from Chicago back & forth to Milwaukee many times when I lived in Chicago. I've toured Amtrak trains a few times & it's all so different from the old days. I enjoy all of your trips especially the train trips!
Nice to see a train video for a bit of variety although it was very clear it's not your preferred mode of transport.
Hope you're settling into your new home in the US - I was in Mansfield yesterday, it doesn't change :(
A train video at last! Love these videos.
Fiji water. Good pick.
You should absolutely come visit us in Rhode Island! It is beautiful in the summer, and TF Green is an incredibly nice airport. They just renovated and have, I would wager, the best airport bathrooms anywhere in the world. Breeze just started routes to LAX on their A220s which should be interesting.
Love the music on this video!
This is a familiar route for me, absolutely love the Acela.
We used to live in Connecticut so have used this route many times. Leaving Boston on time, very rare! Try in winter when there are many issues with frozen points as well as frozen bridges!!
Wow. I live in NYC. Nice that you're here! Welcome!
The train is the best way to travel between Boston and New York. Once you factor in how far New York's airports are from anywhere you'd want to be in New York and how much time you have to spend waiting in lines at the airport, Acela is the fastest way to get between those two cities. It's also way more comfortable than a comparably priced plane ticket.
Nice to know Crocker opened his own boatyard in New Haven after he left Kojak, good man.
I like how this guy is treating the Acela train as some sort of exotic adventure 😂😂
The train is the way to go, Noel. In the old days, I rode the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and the Pennsylvania railroad. Parlor cars to ride in, and a dining car with silver service and linen napkins at the table. Now, its all about efficiency and speed, and those railroads are gone, replaced by Amtrak.
Very spacious train. Like the animation.
Not very friendly receptionist at the lounge. Just saying.,..you know…first impressions…
Becoming standard attitude directed toward white males by blacks all across the country.
The biggest limit to high speed rail in the US is infrastructure. The rails are old and designed for cargo trains rather than high speed passenger trains
I loved that plane ride you did I found this nothing special concidering it was first class, keep to your flying Noel
We usually take Amtrak on the NE extension from Wilmington to NYC and back. It’s super easy. Nice to see the second half the that route
Another well done travel blog as usual this time by train.
Watching this while sitting in the 186mph ICE 😅😂
me sitting in an Thalys at 186mph
I used to be a regular Acela rider. It was always "ok" even when new. I would have preferred the ICE when we had the chance.
The ride through Connecticut is pretty nice, but I am not a fan of New Haven's disaster of a station.
At least you got to see Penny's Moynihan Hall instead of the old, hot, decrepit, falling apart death trap of the old Penn Station.
Make sure you come back to ride the Avelia Liberty Acela next year! (Assuming it's ready to go)
9:25 My home. Stanford CT!!!! Peaceful quaint town. Just 45 minutes from busy NYC.
How rude was the Amtrak first class lounge woman !
Brings back sad memories when I visited NY just after 9/11 for a birthday treat. Loved the visit but very sombre.
Highly original Noel. Thank you.
Thanks so much!
If you can take more American train travel, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner between San Luis Obispo and San Diego is one of the most beautiful routes on the entire system. At some points you're running right along the ocean, and you get to see Vandenberg Space Force Base's launch complex for SpaceX. Used to ride that route regularly, it's about 8 hours but not a dull moment.
Beautiful scenery
I love when you take some time to ride trains here in the USA on the side of flying out of town.
Quick train story; I was traveling from PA to NY with my boss. He was a chatty Patty. Within minutes of boarding they announced it was a quiet car and talking was basically not allowed. 🤗
Noel, this was my route during college! I took the train from Boston to New London, CT to visit my parents regularly. Of course, that was 25 years ago and the high speed train did not exist, so it was significantly slower.
I live in Manhattan. It doesn't make much sense to fly to Boston, because between getting to and from the airports, and dealing with security, it's no faster than other methods. I just checked, and if I left now, I could drive to the Boston South Station in about 3 hours 20 minutes, and then I would have a way to get around once I was there. It would also cost a lot less than a first class ticket on the Acela.
There's a reason America is so stuck on using cars to get around.
Ty
I remember in the late 90s being in New York and Acela being heavily advertised as the "fastest train in USA". Shame in some respects Amtrak has not advanced things forward to go faster between New York, Boston and Washington in 20 years. Perhaps a partnership with Mr Musk for Hyperloop will move things forward?
Another fantastic video from Great Noel, I always make sure I am home alone before watching your videos, I don't want anyone to distract me
Thanks, I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Hey, I'm just north of Boston! Taken that Acela many times...
It’s interesting to see how they compare to UK Trains!
Love your videos. Keep them coming. Hope to see you in kerala India someday
The average speed on that train is 70mph although the top speed is 150mph. Not amazing but not bad for the US.
That was Moynihan Hall. Penn Station is across the street. Nice video.
Having seen this now - Amtrak's premier train - I'd say its a far cry from the offerings of many other nations, including those in the UK and many EU nations. I lived in Japan many years (a few decades) ago, and that far back the trains were better than America's offerings today. Sad really. Watch some current travel Japan videos today and they're light years ahead of nearly everyone. But with the culture in America - yeah that's why we can't have nice things. Thanks Noel.
Well, apples to oranges. If by "nice things" you mean the elbow-to -elbow crowds on Japans mass transit, then I'll happily remain here in the states where my ability to travel was unrestricted during COVID. I could just get in my private car and drive directly where I needed to go.
I'm in UK and honestly thought first class ? Really ? It's not good.
@@barbaraselden6330 the service seemed ok but the cabin was especially austere. But then in the US any form of public transport is seen as very much secondary to the car.
@@SPTSuperSprinter156 Part of the problem is the obsession every US public transport provider has had with the color blue since the mid 1980s, which itself was a backlash against the oranges and browns that had dominated the previous 15 years. The good news is, finally Amtrak is breaking away from that and going with lighter interiors, not just with these trains but also the Siemens locomotive-hauled stock they're taking delivery of.
Noel where's the Dunkin' coffee? I used to take the commuter rail from the station near where the train was going the fastest and it was quite the site each morning standing on the platform. All the regulars knew to take five steps back.
Acela is getting old now and I believe is set for replacement.
I travelled on Acela several times for business years ago from DC to NYC, but I could barely afford to travel in Coach Class Noel LOL!
First Class for VPs and above eh? Even at Coach Class standard fare was so much more than flying.
My boss wanted me to fly up and get a limo from JFK to Empire State Building instead for meetings.
Back then I could explain that they got better value for money with the train with its power outlets, (and which left from 5 miles from where I live), because I could work on my laptop for the whole trip. I was looked at as if I was stark raving mad...
Really enjoyed my trips though, apart from getting stuck in the tunnel outside Baltimore once with flood water rising up towards the windows. We all got rather nervous and at one point I got out of my seat and did a flight attendant safety impression, indicating that our seat cushions could be used as flotation devices if the flooding got any worse.
We were eventually loco hauled out into Baltimore Station where every platform had a Metroliner/Acela stabled.
For one I did not have a camera with me, and a long time before decent camera phones when Acela was brand new.
Arrived home at 2:30am 7 hours late!
I think train travel is the best way to see a country or a city.
I wanna see you cross the US/Canada border on a Greyhound bus.
I always take the train if I'm not in a rush for time...Unlike flying which has airports way out of the cities, I go from city center to city center on the train. Can't beat the relaxation I get by doing it this way.
Love your videos, thank you for all your hard work and for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I really wish the USA will have better rail networks, but unfortunately with the privatization of the track, its not gonna happen anytime soon