Amtrak Airo preview: what the new Cascades trains will look and feel like

# What happened

# Trainset makeup and capacity A single Airo trainset on Cascades consists of:

• one locomotive
• one Business Class car
• one cafe car
• four Coach Class cars (the last Coach includes a luggage compartment and an operator cab)

The configuration supports up to 317 passengers. While Airo's top speed is 125 mph for Northeast Corridor service next year, Cascades routes will remain subject to the route's 79 mph limits.

# Passenger experience and systems Cabins include multiple information screens in every car that display next-stop details, restroom location, and announcements. Vestibules between cars are fully enclosed to keep out rain and snow. Large windows sit next to every row and include manual shades.

Restrooms are fully accessible and equipped with mechanical sliding doors operated by a button, touchless faucets, a changing table, mirror light, and a small shelf for personal items.

# Business Class Business Class is located in the first car and uses a 2-1 seating layout. Details:

• 47 Business seats and 3 handicap spaces
• Seat assignments supported so companions can book together
• Three 4-seat tables, two 2-seat tables, and two adjustable-height table handicap spaces
• Each non-table seat has a small tray table, larger tray table when provided, device holder, drink holder, coat hanger, footrest, adjustable headrest, reading light, two full outlets, and multiple USB-C ports
• Seats use a bottom-out recline mechanism that slides the seat bottom forward rather than pushing into the row behind

# Coach Class Coach spans cars 3–6 with 2-2 seating. Key points:

• No seat reservations in Coach for Cascades service

# Accessibility features Airo adds practical accessibility improvements:

• Adjustable-height tables for wheelchair users
• Ceiling-mounted reading lights above handicap spaces so passengers using mobility devices have comparable lighting
• Fully accessible restrooms with larger access features and touchless fixtures

# Cafe and sustainability The cafe car has a redesigned layout with a selection of meals, snacks, and drinks, plus a water bottle refill station. Amtrak's testing of the Airo trainsets saved over 600 plastic bottles through onboard refilling.

The cafe continues Cascades food partnerships, including Ivar's Clam Chowder and Alki Bakery sandwiches on offer during service.

# Bike and luggage capacity Airo increases bike capacity substantially compared with older Cascades equipment. Each trainset can carry up to 18 bikes, with racks located throughout the train and in the luggage compartment. Some Coach luggage racks fold down to make space for bike storage. Bikes must still meet Amtrak's nationwide guidelines.

# What this means for riders Riders should expect a modernized onboard environment with clearer information, drier transitions between cars, more comfortable Business seating, more power outlets and USB-C ports, better accessible facilities, a larger bike policy, and onboard refill options that reduce single-use plastic. Operational speeds on the Cascades route will remain at existing limits despite the trainset's higher top speed on other corridors.