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.”

The current Cascades line, running from Vancouver, Canada, to Eugene, Oregon, is operating with reduced capacity due to corrosion-related withdrawal of older rail cars. Amtrak has placed an order for eight new trainsets, each seating 300 passengers—up from 250 on the older Talgo Series 8 sets—but none will be available during the World Cup. Meanwhile, Sound Transit is boosting Puget Sound regional capacity to help manage the expected influx of up to 750,000 visitors. Construction of a new $300 million Amtrak maintenance facility near Seattle’s King Street Station remains on schedule for early 2027.

The new trains are scheduled to enter service later in 2026, after the World Cup concludes.

New Amtrak trains coming soon to Pacific Northwest

By The Missoula Current News – Daily News in Missoula Montana