Amtrak Trains Undergo Design Overhaul

Amtrak is introducing a new visual identity for its trains as part of a broader initiative to enhance passenger experience and wayfinding.

The redesign includes a colour-coded system aimed at making it easier for travellers to identify their boarding locations at a glance.

The new scheme assigns specific colours to different classes of service:

• Red – First Class
• Blue – Business Class
• Green – Coach Class

These colours will be prominently displayed near boarding doors, ensuring a more intuitive experience for passengers. The changes are part of an effort to create a cohesive and modern look that improves wayfinding and strengthens Amtrak’s brand recognition.

The first trains featuring the new design entered service from Amtrak’s Bear, Delaware Maintenance Facility on 3 March. Over the next several years, the updated livery will be gradually introduced across the fleet.

Amtrak has been investing significantly in infrastructure and service expansion, with the goal of increasing ridership. Recent figures indicate record passenger numbers, with 32.8 million customers using Amtrak services. The company aims to double this to 66 million by 2040 through continued investments in network improvements and customer service enhancements.

A key part of this strategy includes a 4.5 billion USD investment in major infrastructure projects, such as new bridges, tunnels, and train procurement. These efforts align with Amtrak’s vision of providing a more efficient, accessible, and reliable rail network across the United States.

Amtrak’s train designs have undergone multiple changes over the past five decades, with each era marked by a distinct livery phase. The latest iteration, known as Phase VII, has been designed with passenger experience in mind. The design adapts to different train car types, incorporating full-body paint on some models and graphic treatments on stainless steel carriages.

The new look is part of Amtrak’s standard livery renewal process, ensuring consistency across the fleet while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Amtrak plans to continue rolling out the updated design nationwide, with further improvements to be announced in the coming months. This visual refresh is just one element of a wider transformation, which includes service expansions, infrastructure upgrades, and a commitment to enhancing the overall passenger experience.