New Amtrak Acela trains launched along the Northeast Corridor Thursday, servicing cities from Boston to Washington, D.C.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the takeover Wednesday alongside Amtrak President Roger Harris at Washington’s main transportation hub during the launch of an updated version of the rail service’s Acela train. The federal government owns Union Station, which is near the Capitol.

On a recent round-trip Amtrak ride from New York City to Rochester, I regretted booking a train with a long stop and sitting in business class.

"We can't stop here," Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said, encouraging the crowd to fight for links between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Shreveport and other cities.

Amtrak trains will help get people to the next Open Cockpit Day at the Castle Air Museum.

The new Acelas will carry paying customers for the first time Thursday morning. Patrick Anderson. More Videos. New Orleans housing crisis grows amid gentrification, economic strai