By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
AmeriStarRail’s newly unveiled Libertyliner 250 plan is the latest in a series of proposals the Delaware-based company has presented to Amtrak in recent years. Each has shared a common theme of improving services for all passengers, whether they travel in Coach, Business, or First Class.
The Latest Push – Libertyliner 250
With the incoming fleet of 28 Alstom Avelia Liberty trainsets set to launch, AmeriStarRail wants to operate them as the “Libertyliner 250.” The name ties to America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and trains capable of speeds above 250 kilometers per hour, or about 160 miles per hour. Unlike Amtrak’s current plans, which restrict the trains to premium travelers, AmeriStarRail insists Coach passengers should also be included, calling their exclusion discriminatory and unsafe given the aging cars most riders still depend on.
Ending Coach Exclusion
A central AmeriStarRail proposal has been to end what it describes as transportation discrimination against Coach passengers. The company has argued that Acela trains, funded with taxpayer dollars, should not be reserved solely for business and first-class travelers. Their plan calls for a standardized fleet of high-speed trains with triple-class seating, giving all riders equitable access to high-speed service, like the airline model.
Replacing Aging Amfleet Cars
AmeriStarRail has pushed for the removal of Amtrak’s Amfleet cars, built in the 1970s, which make up the bulk of Coach service on the Northeast Corridor. Safety concerns were raised following derailments, with critics noting that the outdated cars lack modern crash protection and rollover resistance. AmeriStarRail proposed replacing them with new articulated trainsets offering Coach, Business, and First Class on every train. The company maintains that this would improve safety while modernizing the passenger experience.
Baltimore “Grand Slam”
In Baltimore, AmeriStarRail proposed a dramatic overhaul of the city’s rail infrastructure. Their “Grand Slam” plan would replace the Civil War-era tunnels and inconvenient Penn Station stop with a new four-track tunnel beneath downtown. The project would include a new Frederick Douglass Freedom Station near Charles Center, linking Amtrak and MARC trains directly to Baltimore’s business core, while also connecting with metro, light rail, and neighborhood transit.
A New Susquehanna River Bridge
Further north, AmeriStarRail has called for a new bi-level bridge across the Susquehanna River at Perryville. Unlike Amtrak’s plan for twin replacements by 2036, their concept would deliver one bridge by 2030 with high-speed passenger trains on the upper level and slower freight and commuter trains below. The existing 1906 bridge would be converted into a trail, filling a key gap in the East Coast Greenway.
Doctor Trains and Security Fencing
The company has also suggested daily “Doctor Trains,” inspection trains that operate at full speed to monitor track conditions and catenary wires, mirroring practices used in Europe and Asia. Alongside that, AmeriStarRail has proposed sealing the Northeast Corridor with fencing and barriers to prevent trespassing and debris-related accidents, which are frequent causes of delays and disruptions.
Wilmington Trolley and Airport Rail Links
Beyond the Northeast Corridor itself, AmeriStarRail has floated ideas for local and regional improvements. These include a Wilmington Trolley CityLink to connect the downtown and riverfront with zero-emission electric trolleys, and an AirTrain system linking Manhattan to LaGuardia and JFK airports with phased expansions and new intercity connections.
Amtrak’s Silence
Together, the proposals form a sweeping vision of more equitable service, safer equipment, and modernized infrastructure across the corridor. Yet despite AmeriStarRail’s repeated outreach, including letters, detailed plans, and offers of private financing, the company says Amtrak has consistently rebuffed or ignored its efforts. Multiple messages left by the Black Press to Amtrak regarding the issue were not returned.
