On Saturday, Sept. 26, a brand‑new Amtrak Airo train pulled into Eugene for a public tour, giving local residents a first look at the modern equipment set to replace the aging Cascades fleet. The train is part of an 83‑unit Airo fleet that Amtrak will deploy nationwide, with the Pacific Northwest portion beginning service on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
What the new train brings to Eugene riders
The Airo train seats 317 passengers—nearly double the 166 seats available on the current Cascades equipment. Each seat includes a larger tray for laptops or meals, a personal power outlet and a USB‑charging port. Passengers will also enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi, a self‑serve café with hot‑food options, and motion‑activated restroom fixtures that allow hands‑free flushing and faucet operation.
“It is a beautiful, brand‑new train—light, bright, modernized with wonderful features,” said Celia Ann Pfleckl, Amtrak’s assistant vice president for the Airo program. The train was built in the United States, a point of pride for the region’s manufacturing base.
Local officials praise the upgrade
Bob Melbo, state rail planner for the Oregon Department of Transportation, highlighted the partnership between the state and Amtrak that has existed since 1994. “This is the first time that we’ve ever had what’s going to be a whole new fleet of equipment that will be providing this service for the people not only of Oregon but also for Washington,” Melbo said.
State Rep. Nancy Nathanson, a Eugene Democrat, called the train an “upgrade in comfort and capacity,” noting that the Willamette Valley corridor often suffers from traffic congestion. “You can avoid the traffic delays, relax, take a nap, or work,” she added.
How the Airo fits into the broader Amtrak plan
The Airo fleet will eventually consist of eight trainsets serving the Cascades route, gradually phasing out the 40‑ to 50‑year‑old equipment currently in use. The route runs north from Eugene through Albany, Salem, Oregon City and Portland before crossing into Washington and terminating in Vancouver, British Columbia. A southbound service mirrors these stops.
Amtrak’s rollout of the Airo fleet began earlier this year and will continue across the country, including new service on the Northeast and East Coast corridors. The modern trains are intended to attract more riders by offering a 21st‑century travel experience, a goal that aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on improving American infrastructure and expanding domestic manufacturing.
What’s next for Eugene travelers
Starting Sept. 30, the Airo train will begin regular service on the Cascades line, giving commuters, students and tourists a faster, more comfortable option for regional travel. The increased capacity is expected to accommodate growing demand as the Pacific Northwest continues to attract new residents and businesses.
Amtrak plans to showcase the Airo train in additional markets later this year, with the next public deployment slated for the Northeast. For now, Eugene residents can look forward to a modern rail experience that reflects both local needs and national goals for a stronger, more connected America.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
