Don’T Blink…

Wed., Oct. 13, 1999

Amtrak says its new high-speed Acela train has set a national speed record of 168 mph, but with no resolution to wheel-wear problems, the start-up date for carrying passengers is unclear. Montreal-based Bombardier Inc., which is building the train, says it is aiming at spring of 2000 and will announce a timetable by Nov. 1. The Acela this week hit 168 mph in Rhode Island during a test of new lines that will provide electricity to the train. The trains are slated to bring three-hour service between Boston and New York, a savings of up to 90 minutes and more competitive with airlines. Amtrak is hoping Acela will generate enough new profits to bring it self-sufficiency by 2002, and that high-speed success in the Northeast will spur similar service in other areas, including the Pacific Northwest.

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Don’T Blink…

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