![Amtrak Bringing New, Modernized Trains To Maine As Part Of Upgraded New England Fleet](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2018/11/GettyImages-6877867161.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Amtrak Bringing New, Modernized Trains To Maine As Part Of Upgraded New England Fleet
If you're a frequent passenger of the Amtrak Downeaster, some big changes are on the way. According to CNBC, Amtrak is investing 7.3 billion dollars in a variety of upgrades for their fleet, including substantial upgrades to their fleet in the northeast. The new trains will be American-made, more environmentally-friendly and feature new amenities for passengers.
Currently, most of Amtrak's fleet features trains that are 40 to 50 years old. The modernized trains will enable Amtrak to continue to compete as other forms of travel offer more amenities and comfort to consumers. The new trains will feature more comfortable seating, individual power outlets as well as USB ports perfect for personalized mobile devices. In addition to those improvements, all trains will be fitted with onboard wifi, navigation displays and better lighting. For those that consistently travel on the Amtrak Downeaster, this is welcome news.
With the investment in the new trains in place, they just have to be built, shipped and then added to the fleet. California-based Siemens won the contract to manufacture the trains for Amtrak but did not offer a firm timetable as to when travelers in New England can expect to see the modernized trains hit the rails.
LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state
LOOK: Full List of the Best Places to Live in Maine
More From WQCB Brewer Maine
![Maine, We Are Ready for Liftoff](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-3F82B1A8-C291-44B8-A7D4-7D414E70C903.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Text Your Friends – It’s Fair Time in Bangor, Maine](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Inaugural Maine Car Show Was a HUGE Success for Veterans](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-IMG_5239.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Maine Restaurant to Be Featured at Dave Portnoy’s Pizza Festival](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T134335.772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Steakhouse in Maine Was Named Best in the State](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T121720.788.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Watch Giant Lobsters Destroy Portland in the 80’s Cult Classic ‘Lobsteroids’](http://townsquare.media/site/697/files/2016/05/attachment-lobby.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Maine Bar Was Named Best ‘Dive’ in the State](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-02T112444.537.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![CNN Says This Maine Town Is America’s Best to Visit](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/06/attachment-BCC3E728-5F25-4A1A-ADB6-00FB18761567.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![It’s Illegal to Take Photos at These Places in Maine](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-06-04T100820.326.jpg?w=980&q=75)