Unpacking new Amfleet I seat cushions, 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, a carman at the Ivy City Maintenance Facility north of Washington Union Station unpacks new seat cushions. A two-tone grey design, along with a blue accent on the headrest, denotes Business class. Amtrak's Industrial Design team made about 50 concept sketches before it developed the seat cushions; a handful of prototypes were then produced for inspection before making a final selection.

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