“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”

Amtrak's new high-speed NextGen Acela trains will soon begin operating between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.

The NextGen Acela fleet will boast new amenities and a smoother, faster ride, reaching top speeds of 160 mph — 10 mph faster than the old system's max. The first five trains will hit the tracks Thursday, Aug. 28, but Amtrak plans to add 28 new vehicles over the next two years.