I rode Amtrak's new Cascades Airo train. For all its high-tech upgrades, I'm surprised it lacked one rider must-have.
Amtrak's new Airo train is a modern upgrade from its other passenger trains. But it lacked one key traveling element I expected to see.
I embarked on the brand-new Amtrak Cascades Airo train in late September. Despite its state-of-the-art upgrades, I found one crucial feature it was missing. After riding the Airo in the Pacific Northwest, I appreciated its cleanliness and new luxuries, but one rider must-have seemed absent. Having traveled with Amtrak for over four years, I experienced the discomfort of older trains, which led me to book a ticket for the new Airo line.
The $34 round-trip ticket and roughly 2 ½-hour journey between Eugene, Oregon, and Portland offered the same amenities as before, but a key add-on was noticeably absent. I was impressed by the train's modern design, with a sleek and calm atmosphere. The cabins had ample storage and bike racks, and the seats were notably comfortable with cushioned headrests.
However, the lack of real-time arrival information on the cabin screens left me and other passengers wondering about the train's progress and arrival time. Even though this feature would have been beneficial, it didn't deter me from enjoying the overall pleasant experience on Amtrak's new Airo train.
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