Amtrak has made a significant service change on its Cascades rail service, reducing service to a single set of daily trains. This affects 18 stops from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia. The company said it detected corrosion on multiple Horizon railcars nationwide during a routine inspection, causing service disruptions on the Downeaster, Hiawatha, Borealis and Cascades lines.
Corrosion Problem and Effects
Amtrak announced that 70 passenger cars were withdrawn, affecting daily train service on the Cascades route in particular. Amtrak spokeswoman Kelly Just said that 26 cars were removed from the Cascades line, leaving only one trainset for daily services #503 and #508. Janet Matkin of the Washington State Department of Transportation said that 12 daily services between Seattle and Portland were significantly affected, and that only one trainset was in service.
Corrosion can build up over time, especially in areas exposed to water and ice, compromising the structural integrity of trains. Amtrak says the problem is exacerbated by de-icing operations that exacerbate corrosion. Secondary inspections revealed damage to structural steel.
Amtrak's Solution Plans
To address these issues, Amtrak has planned to run buses to make up for lost train connections. The buses will carry passengers on the route between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. It has also been announced that bicycle reservations will be honored on the buses, but business class passengers will be moved to economy class. Amtrak has pledged to ensure customer satisfaction by compensating affected passengers for the difference in fares.
Amtrak is not currently providing any cost estimates for repairs or a timeline for when the railcars will return, adding uncertainty to passengers and stakeholders. However, the company aims to resolve the issues quickly to ensure safety and continuity of service.
Amtrak Cascades Service Reduction and Future Plans
Once the corrosion issues are resolved and necessary repairs are completed, Amtrak Cascades service is expected to return to its former state. Amtrak describes the current situation as “an important step for long-term reliability.” However, while these temporary service disruptions may cause frustration among riders, the company says they are necessary for the future of rail.
Amtrak is prioritizing passenger safety during this process and is offering temporary solutions until repairs are completed. Additionally, the company continues to offer bus and train options, providing flexibility for passengers who are changing their travel habits.
This disruption to Amtrak’s Cascades service provides an important indicator of the railroad’s maintenance and infrastructure challenges. Amtrak aims to combat corrosion, maintain safety at the highest level, and quickly restore service. The company is committed to providing more transparency and accountability updates to help its passengers through this difficult time.
