Faster Service Means High Speed Amtrak Trains Coming to Upstate New York

If you take Amtrak through the Albany Rensselaer station, some big changes are on the way. Amtrak is planning a major upgrade to its maintenance facilities right near the station, and it is all about preparing for the arrival of the new Airo trains.

The project includes a brand new building where the trains can be inspected, serviced, and cleaned. Details like size and exact layout are still being worked out, but similar rail yard projects in other cities have been massive, covering more than 100,000 square feet.

According to the Albany Business Review, the Airo train is being built in the United States by Siemens and promises a much more modern way to travel. Passengers can look forward to larger windows, more comfortable seating, better lighting, touch-free restrooms, and full accessibility. These trains are designed to be faster and roomier, giving travelers an upgraded experience.

Amtrak expects the Airo trains to roll out on over a dozen routes in the coming years, including the Empire Corridor that runs from New York City to Niagara Falls with stops across the Hudson Valley, Albany, and beyond. To keep them running smoothly, six rail yards along the route, including Albany Rensselaer, will see major improvements.

This station is already one of the busiest in the country, with nearly 910,000 riders last year. And the upgrades do not stop there. Work is also underway on a brand new Livingston Avenue Bridge, set to open in 2028, replacing a structure that dates back to the Civil War era.