New Amtrak trains coming soon to Pacific Northwest, but not in time for World Cup

The strained Amtrak Cascades rail service is on track to have limited capacity to carry the crowds expected to descend on the Pacific Northwest for the upcoming men’s World Cup.

Sleek new, amenity-packed “Airo” trains are still undergoing testing back East and will not get here in time to haul legions of international soccer fans. Amtrak Executive Vice President Laura Mason told reporters Thursday that while the testing is going well, the rail operator won’t rush brand-new equipment into service.

“We considered what we could do, but I think it’s really important to make sure that the trainset is really fit and ready for service, and that the crews are ready to operate it,” Mason said. “That’s why we are recognizing that it’s not going to be here for the World Cup.”

Amtrak and the rail divisions of Oregon and Washington state were careful never to promise the next-generation trains would enter service in time for the FIFA World Cup. They would only say the first trains are due sometime in 2026.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/10/new-amtrak-trains-coming-soon-to-pacific-northwest-but-not-in-time-for-world-cup/