Travellers on the new nonstop Amtrak Acela trains between New York and Washington DC will receive free snacks and drinks delivered to their seat by airline-style rolling carts.
Amtrak said the rail service, set to debut on September 23, will include complimentary coffee, tea, water, and light snacks, with in-seat dining options including other food and drinks available for purchase with a credit card (but not cash).
Amtrak will also offer phone charging kits for sale to Acela nonstop passengers.
Separately, the national passenger railroad corporation also announced new dining options for its sleeper car service aboard the Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent and Silver Meteor long-distance trains beginning on October 1, and on the Silver Star next year.
The menu will include hot meal choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the latter including options such as an Asian noodle bowl and red-wine braised beef.
Travellers can order unlimited free soft drinks, and the first glass of wine, beer, or cocktails is included in the ticket price.
Travellers will have the option of room service for in-cabin dining or taking meals in the dining car without the need for advance reservations. Amtrak also is adding lounge space for the exclusive use of overnight travellers.
The same dining service is now available on the Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited trains, with Amtrak’s traditional meal service remaining in place on other long-distance trains.