Conshohocken-based Lunatrain, Inc., announced in February that it is developing a privately owned, operated, and maintained passenger rail service to connect major cities and destinations. The service will focus solely on sleeper trains in express, non-stop service. In the announcement, it states that “Lunatrain is designed to serve the growing number of solo travelers, couples, and families living in major metropolitan regions that want a practical alternative to short-haul flights and driving long distances.”

The company was founded by Mike Avena, a Conshohocken resident. The 2019 Drexel grad was previously the Head of IT at Ori Biotech and Tmunity Therapeutics. In 2024, Avena was named to Drexel’s 40 Under 40 for his leadership in several early-stage companies.

Lunatrain is working to “establish a network of night trains that extends across the East Coast and Midwest, connecting cities that are too far for daytime trains to serve effectively.” The focus will be on creating a service network between cities that mainly involves trips that can be completed in a single night.

Comfort will be key. The service will offer several types of sleeping cabins to accommodate various passenger types (from solo to groups) and will include the latest technology to keep travelers connected.

Avena completed a feasibility analysis for the project in the first half of 2024 and has since developed robust financial projections for North American night trains. He is now working with potential customers and industry partners on the detailed design and development of Lunatrain.

Lunatrain is working to launch a demonstration unit by the second half of 2026 to gather initial feedback on cabin design and use a rapid, iterative design process to reach product-market fit. From there, Lunatain will build a fleet of stress-tested and scrutinized sleeping cars for full revenue service.

Photos used with permission. ©2025 Lunatrain, Inc.