Amtrak Restores Train Service After Corrosion Found on Carriages

Amtrak has completed the restoration of train schedules for the Borealis, Hiawatha, Amtrak Cascades, and Downeaster brands. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The restoration took less than two weeks. However, these trains are currently operating with fewer carriages, which requires passengers to purchase tickets in advance.

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On March 26, 2025, Amtrak decided to withdraw 70 Horizon carriages, operating on these routes, after corrosion was found during a routine inspection. In response to the situation, bus services were organized on the Borealis and Downeaster routes.

Amtrak Withdraws 70 Horizon Carriages After Corrosion Discovery

Horizon carriages manufactured by Bombardier Transportation were introduced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For a long time, these carriages formed the core of Amtrak’s fleet used on routes connecting the Pacific Northwest and Midwest regions of the United States for relatively short distances.

The discovery of corrosion has once again drawn attention to the aging of Amtrak’s rolling stock. Most of the Horizon carriages have been in use for over 30 years, highlighting the need for fleet modernization.

How Did the Discovery of Corrosion Affect Amtrak Train Services?

Despite temporary inconvenience for passengers, Amtrak is taking all necessary steps to minimize the impact. The organization of bus routes during the repair of the carriages has allowed the company to maintain service regularity and reduce possible delays.

The corrosion issues found on the carriages also raise concerns about the future of fleet renewal and the need for more rigorous maintenance of the carriages’ technical condition. In response to the discovered defects, Amtrak has already started negotiations with manufacturers to replace old carriages with new ones, which will improve service quality and enhance passenger safety.

The operation of aging rolling stock, as shown by the Horizon carriage situation, requires a reassessment of the fleet maintenance and renewal strategy. According to Amtrak representatives, fleet upgrades are planned for the coming years.

The company also reported that it is already working on implementing new technologies to improve the reliability and safety of its trips.

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