Installing new carpeting on coach car No. 81535, 2017.

In Sept. 2017, Amtrak announced that it was investing in an extensive overhaul of the interiors of the famed Amfleet I cars used primarily on routes east of the Mississippi River. Through a close study of customer feedback, the Amtrak design team zeroed in on a crisp, modern look and cleaner restrooms. The process of updating approximately 450 cars should take about nine months and represents a nearly $17 million investment.

Refreshed coach and Business class cars will receive new seat cushions, carpeting, brighter LED reading lights, wainscoting and bulkhead and flooring in restrooms. In addition, Amtrak will unveil redesigned galleys in the café cars.

In this image, carmen at the Ivy City Maintenance Facility north of Washington Union Station move new rolls of carpeting onto a Business class car. Amtrak's Industrial Design team developed about 20 carpet prototypes, working with various yarn colors to hone in on a winning pattern. The carpet is made of a high-performing nylon that is stain resistant and easy to clean.

Photographer: Chuck Gomez for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.