WASHINGTON — Amtrak’s new Acela trainsets have finally cleared a computer-modeling hurdle that has stalled testing, the New York Times reports. The trains passed computer modeling tests on the 14th try and have been cleared by the Federal Railroad Administration to begin test runs between Washington and Boston, Amtrak officials told the Times on Friday. Modeling showing the equipment can operate safely is required before the FRA will allow the trains to operate. The Times report says that train builder Alstom at one point told Amtrak that computer modeling showed the new trains could not run safely on the Northeast Corridor, but the company said it believed it could resolve the problems. Amtrak officials said they gave Alstom the go-ahead to continue developing the trains because they felt they had no choice.

Source: New York Times January 14, 2024 19:05 UTC