infrastructure
Amtrak Invests in the Future
Newly released visuals offer a glimpse into state-of-the-art trains
WASHINGTON – Built for the future, visuals of Amtrak’s newest trains reveal a modern customer experience. The new trains, Amtrak AiroTM, will start debuting in 2026 and operate on routes throughout the country. Routes include the Amtrak Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
“As we invest in the future, Amtrak is leading the way with a new era of rail,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Our new trains will transform the Amtrak experience with significant environmental benefits, a progressive design and world-class amenities.”
The new trains will elevate the journey with a focus on comfort and efficiency. Amtrak Airo will provide even more advantages to traveling by rail, including:
- Elevated Experience: With its modern, spacious interior and panoramic windows, customers have an improved view of the best sights in the country while connecting to the passing landscape.
- A Greener Impact: The new trains are more fuel efficient and produce 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations.
- Reduced Travel Times: The new trains will operate at speeds up to 125 mph and offer near seamless transition between power sources where time-consuming locomotive changes were previously required.
- Redesigned Café Car: More contemporary food service provides self-service options.
- Wayfinding: Signage creates a cleaner, more evident and accessible way to identify and differentiate cabins – both on the exterior and interior through a color-coded system.
- Spacious Seating:Each spacious seat prioritizes ergonomics, offers enhanced comfort with plenty of legroom, bigger and sturdier tray tables, moveable headrests and a dedicated cup and seatback tablet-holder.
- Business Class: Choice of double and single seats offer customers greater flexibility.
- Amenities: Features enhanced lighting, improved technology with digital customer information systems and touchless restroom controls, dedicated individual outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi.
“Americans deserve modern, safe, reliable passenger rail service, and introducing brand new rail cars is a major step towards improving the daily experience of commuters and travelers who depend on Amtrak,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “This year, FRA provided nearly $4.3 billion in annual funding to support these improvements, and with President Biden’s historic investments in Amtrak, we’re poised to make intercity passenger rail an even more efficient, convenient and accessible mode of travel for Americans.”
In response to strong customer demand, the new trains are part of a larger transformation that will revolutionize the Amtrak experience, including the new Acela trains. Amtrak’s move to the future also includes major infrastructure projects, service expansion, station upgrades, modernization efforts and improved track capacity along the Northeast Corridor.
A share of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding will support the procurement of Amtrak Airo, which will be manufactured by Siemens in California.
For more information about Amtrak Airo please visit amtrak.com/amtrak-airo and access the latest visuals at media.amtrak.com/introducing-amtrak-airo/. Procurement details can be found here.
SUPPORTED QUOTES
Senator Chuck Schumer
“I fought to include over $21 billion for Amtrak in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I secured over $2.3 billion for Amtrak in FY22 appropriations, so that initiatives that benefit passengers like these new trains and improved cabins could go forward. I am thrilled to see Amtrak stepping up its game for customers with the new Amtrak Airo trains, which will benefit customers throughout the country, including on more than half a dozen New York lines.”
Senator Leahy
“I am pleased to hear that Amtrak will continue to make meaningful investments in improving their passenger rail service. This service has connected Vermonters with the broader region for more than 50 years and will continue to be pivotal in our transition to a clean energy economy. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have proudly supported strong funding for Amtrak, including securing over $150 million throughout my tenure for rail improvements across Vermont that Amtrak Airo will utilize when its service begins in 2026.”
Senator Susan M. Collins
“From large cities to rural towns, Amtrak provides an important transportation option that connects communities across the country. Since it first began service more than twenty years ago, the Downeaster in Maine has provided service to millions of passengers and acts as an economic engine to towns along the way, earning the reputation as ‘America’s favorite train.’ This investment in new rail cars on routes like the Downeaster will enhance the overall experience and safety for riders as well as help promote the continued success of Amtrak in the years to come.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was passed in order to modernize our transportation systems so they can meet the needs of the 21st century. It is great to see Amtrak investing in these new trains using the law’s funding, and I look forward to continuing my work with Amtrak to make sure that New Yorkers have access to a sustainable, fuel efficient and reliable passenger rail network.”
Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR-04), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair
“To meet the demands of travelers and address the threat of climate change, we need trains that are accessible, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $7.3 billion investment in Amtrak Airo equipment will reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector while improving the passenger experience. Amtrak Airo will produce less air pollution than current models and will provide an enhanced level of comfort that will attract riders. I look forward to their debut in 2026 and congratulate Amtrak on today’s announcement.”
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ-10), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
“I am proud to see Amtrak use the funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade their trains and service. I helped secure $41.5 billion for Amtrak in that law to help them improve efficiency and reliability nationwide. I look forward to riding these new trains during my frequent travels between my district and Washington, D.C.”
Congressman David Price (D-NC), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (T-HUD)
“With an eye towards future generations, Amtrak is taking substantial steps to modernize our nation’s rail infrastructure and incorporate the need for climate resiliency with their new fleet of Amtrak Airo trainsets. Thanks to the Biden Administration’s leadership, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and sustained investments through the annual appropriations process, transformative investments to our nation’s transportation infrastructure are now underway. These investments will create good, union jobs, while connecting communities across the country with efficient, safe and environmentally responsible transit options.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01)
“Amtrak provides efficient, essential and affordable transportation for millions throughout the United States. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided a historic opportunity to make critical improvements to our intercity passenger rail infrastructure, including for the train cars and engines that allow Americans to seamlessly travel and commute each day. I am proud to see these advancements in Amtrak’s Amtrak Airo equipment announced today and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners at Amtrak as we continue to improve the Northeast Corridor for generations to come.”
Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH-01)
“The benefits our communities see from upgrading our transportation infrastructure will continue for years to come. This vital investment will update our rail system ensuring it can better serve communities across New Hampshire in a reliable fashion, address the growing transportation needs of the Northeast, and reduce carbon emissions. I also applaud Amtrak’s decision to invest in our economy and help create good-paying jobs by purchasing equipment made in America. I will continue to support clean transportation, investments in American manufacturing, and projects like this one that meet the needs of Granite Staters.”
Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08)
“It is welcome news that Amtrak’s 29 new Amtrak Airo equipment will be serving the Greater Boston area. Amtrak Airo will be better for our environment and produce less air pollution and operate with greater fuel efficiency than Amtrak’s existing equipment. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am grateful for Amtrak’s commitment to helping create a greener transportation system, which was made possible by funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These new investments and equipment will make the customer transportation experience much more comfortable and enjoyable and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Northeast Corridor.”
Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)
“As New Jersey’s sole congressional appropriator and a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I’ve made it a priority to secure infrastructure funding for Central Jersey and communities across the country. Supported by a historic investment from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this funding will bring Amtrak trains into the 21st century, create jobs, and keep our communities connected. I’m grateful for President Biden’s leadership and for the hard work of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee who helped make the modernization of ‘America’s Railroad’ possible.”
Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20)
“For decades, we have put investments in critical infrastructure on the backburner, leaving communities unequipped to deal with crumbling roads and bridges and insufficient public transit. Thanks to the advancement of our bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these needs are at long last being addressed. I’m delighted by this investment that will ensure Amtrak trains meet passenger needs, whether one is traveling to work, home to see family and loved ones, or to a new destination, all while reducing air pollution.”
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-07)
“I’m thrilled that Amtrak’s new fleet of trains will be manufactured in Sacramento County by Siemens. Siemens has been an integral part of the Sacramento community for the past three decades and I am excited for the rest of the country to experience their state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly trains. This project will help modernize our nation’s rail infrastructure and support thousands of good paying jobs in our region.”
DJ Stadtler, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Executive Director
“Service from the Commonwealth and destinations from DC to Boston will be faster and more enjoyable with Amtrak’s new dual-powered locomotives and equipment designed with the passenger in mind. Amtrak’s investment in this new top-of-the-line equipment mirrors our plans to provide our passengers with the most exceptional state-supported rail service possible.”
Ron Pate, Washington State Department of Transportation Director of Rail, Freight and Ports Division
“Amtrak Cascades is eager to welcome new trains to our scenic 18-city route linking Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Our eight new trainsets and two new locomotives are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Featuring an evergreen and mocha color scheme representative of the Pacific Northwest, they will mimic the historic branding of previous Amtrak Cascades trains, but with a new look and feel that will carry us into the future.”
Marie Therese Dominguez, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner
“If anybody still wonders if the best days of passenger rail are ahead of us, they now have the visual proof and can rest assured. The best is yet to come, thanks to a focus on enhancing passenger amenities and employing greener technologies. Here in New York State, we are already making historic investments to improve connectivity, service reliability and safety. We are grateful for the partnership of Amtrak Chair Anthony Coscia and CEO Stephen Gardner, and we look forward to working with them and our federal partners in Washington to bring to life these immaculate trainsets that will define the passenger rail experience of the twenty-first century.”
Andy Batson, PennDOT Acting Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation
“PennDOT is a proud supporter of intercity passenger rail and promotes mobility options for all Pennsylvanians. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Amtrak to provide high-quality transportation in Pennsylvania.”
Eric Boyette, N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary
“With a record-breaking year of ridership, North Carolina is thrilled to enhance our travelers’ experience with new trains in the coming years.”
Joe Flynn, State of Vermont Secretary of Transportation
“Vermont is enthusiastic about the new trainsets, which will replace the aging Amfleet railcars and transform our Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express services into state-of-the art, fuel-efficient services with increased reliability and passenger comfort and amenities. These trainsets will support and complement Vermont’s significant investments in passenger rail services, including the recent extension of the Ethan Allen Express service to Burlington and our efforts to extend the Vermonter service into Montreal. Vermont wishes to express sincere gratitude to its Congressional Delegation for providing the federal funding essential to bringing these new trainsets to Vermont.”
Joe Giulietti, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner
“The Connecticut Department of Transportation is excited and supportive of the planned purchase of new trainsets for Amtrak’s New England Regional and Northeast Corridor Services. Our customers have spoken and they desire a modern railroad experience that includes updated features and amenities on trains, which encourages an alternative to highway vehicle travel. This new equipment, along with Connecticut’s planned purchase of new coaches and locomotives, will be able to take advantage of the substantial infrastructure investments the State of Connecticut has already made and is currently planning along the Northeast Corridor and Hartford Line.”
Michael Cahill, Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock in North America President
“Our new trainsets are a key part of helping Amtrak transform rail travel for Americans. Passengers want a reliable, comfortable, and sustainable experience once on-board. Our 2,500 team members in Sacramento and hundreds of suppliers in the U.S. are proud to help Amtrak deliver the next generation of travel.”
STM Blog
From Hand Signals to Smart Crosswalks: The Evolution of the Modern Pedestrian Signal
Discover the history of the modern pedestrian signal, from Garrett A. Morgan’s groundbreaking traffic signal to today’s smart, accessible crosswalks.
Last Updated on July 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Every day, millions of people rely on pedestrian signals to cross busy street safely. A glowing white walking figure, an orange-red hand, and a countdown timer have become familiar sights around the world. While these signals may seem like simple pieces of infrastructure, they are the result of more than a century of innovation, engineering, and public safety improvements.
The modern pedestrian signal did not appear overnight. Instead, it evolved through the contributions of inventors, engineers, city planners, and transportation officials who continually refined traffic control systems as cities grew and automobiles became more common.
The Early Days of Traffic Control
Before electric traffic signals, intersections were controlled by police officers, railway-style semaphores, or even hand signals. As horse-drawn wagons gave way to automobiles in the early 1900s, traffic congestion and accidents increased dramatically, creating an urgent need for better traffic management.
One of the earliest electric traffic lights was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. It used red and green lights and was manually operated. While it improved vehicle movement, pedestrians still had to judge for themselves when it was safe to cross.
Garrett A. Morgan’s Breakthrough
One of the most important milestones came in 1923 when inventor and entrepreneur Garrett Augustus Morgan received U.S. Patent No. 1,475,024 for an improved traffic signal.
Morgan’s design introduced a third position in addition to “Stop” and “Go.” This intermediate phase temporarily stopped traffic in every direction before allowing vehicles to proceed. The brief pause reduced confusion at intersections and provided additional time for pedestrians to cross safely.
Morgan reportedly developed his design after witnessing a serious traffic accident. His invention demonstrated how thoughtful engineering could improve public safety while making increasingly busy streets more efficient.
Although Morgan did not invent the illuminated “WALK” and “DON’T WALK” pedestrian signal used today, his three-position signal became a foundational step in the evolution of modern traffic control.
The Birth of Dedicated Pedestrian Signals
As cities expanded after World War II, pedestrian safety became an even greater concern. More people were walking in increasingly crowded downtown districts, and separating pedestrian movements from vehicle traffic became a priority.
During the early 1950s, several American cities began experimenting with dedicated pedestrian signals. New York City became one of the first major municipalities to install illuminated “WALK” and “DON’T WALK” signs at busy intersections.
These early systems gave pedestrians their own designated crossing phase, reducing conflicts with turning vehicles and improving safety at some of the nation’s busiest intersections.
Standardization Across America
By the 1960s and 1970s, traffic engineers recognized the importance of creating consistent traffic control devices nationwide.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) established national standards for traffic signs, pavement markings, and pedestrian signals. Standardized designs helped ensure that pedestrians could understand crossing signals regardless of where they traveled in the United States.
Eventually, words gave way to internationally recognized symbols—a walking person to indicate it was safe to cross and an upraised hand to indicate pedestrians should wait. These symbols transcended language barriers and improved accessibility for visitors and non-English speakers.
The Countdown Era
One of the most significant modern improvements arrived with pedestrian countdown timers.
Rather than simply flashing a warning, countdown displays show exactly how many seconds remain before the crossing phase ends. Research has shown that countdown timers help pedestrians make better crossing decisions and improve compliance with traffic signals.
Today, countdown timers have become standard equipment at intersections across much of the United States.
Accessibility Takes Center Stage
Modern pedestrian signals are designed to serve everyone.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) now provide audible tones, spoken messages, vibrating push buttons, and locator sounds that assist pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. These features allow more people to navigate intersections independently and safely.
The continued development of accessible technology reflects a broader commitment to making transportation systems inclusive for all users.
The Future of Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian signals continue to evolve.
Many cities now use smart traffic systems that detect pedestrians waiting to cross, automatically adjust signal timing based on traffic conditions, and prioritize people walking during busy periods.
Researchers are exploring artificial intelligence, connected vehicle technology, and sensor-based systems capable of communicating directly with autonomous vehicles. Future pedestrian crossings may adapt in real time to weather conditions, crowd sizes, emergency vehicles, and even the needs of older adults or individuals with disabilities.
A Legacy Built by Many Innovators
The pedestrian signal we know today is the product of more than a century of collaboration and innovation.
Early traffic engineers created the first electric traffic lights. Garrett A. Morgan improved intersection safety with his groundbreaking three-position traffic signal. Transportation agencies standardized traffic control devices, while engineers continued refining pedestrian technology through countdown timers, accessible features, and intelligent traffic systems.
Every safe crossing today reflects the work of countless inventors, planners, researchers, and public officials dedicated to protecting lives.
As cities continue to grow and transportation technology advances, the humble pedestrian signal remains one of the most effective—and often overlooked—public safety innovations ever developed.
At STM Daily News, we celebrate the inventors, engineers, and visionaries whose everyday innovations quietly improve life for millions of people. Sometimes the most important inventions aren’t the ones that grab headlines—they’re the ones we depend on every single day without giving them a second thought.
Related Reading
- Federal Highway Administration – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- National Museum of African American History and Culture – Garrett Augustus Morgan
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Federal Highway Administration – Accessible Pedestrian Signals
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
🧠 Discover the remarkable innovators, inventors, and trailblazers who helped shape our world but rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter to catch every new Forgotten Genius Friday feature and more inspiring stories delivered to your inbox.
The Knowledge
Beneath the Waves: The Global Push to Build Undersea Railways
Undersea railways are transforming transportation, turning oceans from barriers into gateways. Proven by tunnels like the Channel and Seikan, these innovations offer cleaner, reliable connections for passengers and freight. Ongoing projects in China and Europe, alongside future proposals, signal a new era of global mobility beneath the waves.
For most of modern history, oceans have acted as natural barriers—dividing nations, slowing trade, and shaping how cities grow. But beneath the waves, a quiet transportation revolution is underway. Infrastructure once limited by geography is now being reimagined through undersea railways.
Undersea rail tunnels—like the Channel Tunnel and Japan’s Seikan Tunnel—proved decades ago that trains could reliably travel beneath the ocean floor. Today, new projects are expanding that vision even further.
Around the world, engineers and governments are investing in undersea railways—tunnels that allow high-speed trains to travel beneath oceans and seas. Once considered science fiction, these projects are now operational, under construction, or actively being planned.
Undersea Rail Is Already a Reality
Japan’s Seikan Tunnel and the Channel Tunnel between the United Kingdom and France proved decades ago that undersea railways are not only possible, but reliable. These tunnels carry passengers and freight beneath the sea every day, reshaping regional connectivity.
Undersea railways are cleaner than short-haul flights, more resilient than bridges, and capable of lasting more than a century. As climate pressures and congestion increase, rail beneath the sea is emerging as a practical solution for future mobility.
What’s Being Built Right Now
China is currently constructing the Jintang Undersea Railway Tunnel as part of the Ningbo–Zhoushan high-speed rail line, while Europe’s Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will soon connect Denmark and Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. These projects highlight how transportation and technology are converging to solve modern mobility challenges.
The Mega-Projects Still on the Drawing Board
Looking ahead, proposals such as the Helsinki–Tallinn Tunnel and the long-studied Strait of Gibraltar rail tunnel could reshape global affairs by linking regions—and even continents—once separated by water.
Why Undersea Rail Matters
The future of transportation may not rise above the ocean—but run quietly beneath it.
Blog
The Dodger Gondola Project: A High-Flying Transit Idea Facing Heavy Headwinds
The Dodger Gondola Project, a proposed aerial transit line between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, faces major political, legal, and community opposition in 2025. Here’s where the controversial project stands now.
Dodger Gondola Project Faces Major Setbacks as L.A. Leaders and Residents Push Back
For years, the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) — better known as the Dodger Gondola Project — has been pitched as a bold, futuristic connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, whisking riders above traffic in a six-minute aerial trip. Supporters call it L.A.’s chance to build a cleaner, faster, iconic transit link. But as 2025 winds toward its close, the project faces more turbulence than ever.
A Quick Refresher: What the Gondola Would Be
The proposed gondola line would travel about 1.2 miles, with stations at Union Station, a stop near L.A. State Historic Park, and Dodger Stadium. Private backers connected to former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have promoted it as a zero-emission way to move more than 5,000 passengers per hour on game days — and potentially daily for tourists, residents, and park visitors.
Why the Dream Is Stalling
In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12–1 to formally oppose the project, urging Metro to abandon it. While the vote isn’t legally binding, it signaled a major political shift. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who introduced the resolution, cited environmental and community concerns — especially the impact on Chinatown, Solano Canyon, and L.A. State Historic Park.
A California Court of Appeals ruling earlier in the year also struck down Metro’s original environmental review, forcing a supplemental EIR that reopened debates about tree removal, tower placement, noise, and neighborhood impacts. The city has additionally ordered a comprehensive traffic study, pausing key permits until it’s complete.
Communities Speak Out
Local opposition has been strong and well-organized. Residents warn the gondola would remove mature trees, alter the character of the State Historic Park, and intrude over communities that have already shouldered decades of infrastructure burdens. Advocacy groups say the project favors private interests over public need, pointing to the lack of a clear long-term funding or maintenance plan.
Not Dead — But Deeply Uncertain
Despite mounting challenges, the gondola isn’t entirely grounded. Metro is still reviewing public comments on the supplemental environmental report, and state lawmakers are debating legislation that could streamline some project requirements. Whether those efforts succeed — or whether political pressure ultimately stalls the gondola indefinitely — remains to be seen.
The Big Picture
The Dodger Gondola Project sits at the intersection of transit innovation, environmental justice, and the future of Los Angeles mobility. For supporters, it represents a chance to modernize travel to one of the nation’s most visited stadiums. For opponents, it’s an unnecessary experiment that risks community space and public resources.
Either way, the next year will be pivotal — and L.A.’s debate over the gondola is far from over.
Sources and links for further information
Associated Press: “Los Angeles officials seek to halt proposed Dodger Stadium gondola” — apnews.com
Los Angeles Times: “Los Angeles City Council votes 12-1 to urge Metro to halt Dodgers gondola project” — latimes.com
NBC Los Angeles: “Dodger Stadium gondola should be a no-go, LA City Council says” — nbclosangeles.com
PR Newswire (project press release): “LA ART Gondola Project Takes Next Step Forward … with Release of Draft Supplemental Environmental Report” — prnewswire.com
LAist: “Controversial Dodger Stadium gondola project gets new environmental report. Here’s how you can weigh in” — laist.com
Official Metro page: “Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART)” — metro.net
Site for public comment: “Stop The Gondola – Public Comment” — stopthegondola.org
CEQA Notice of Availability: “Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report – LA ART Project” — ceqanet.lci.ca.gov
