New timeline released for restored Amtrak Cascades service

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new timeline is being released for replacement trains back on the Amtrak Cascades line after all but one were suddenly removed from service last week.

Washington State Department of Transportation said the first trains to be back in service will be Amfleet I train cars for lines #516 and #519, which serve between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, starting on Tuesday, April 1.

The next set of four trains, also Amfleet I train cars arriving in Seattle via Chicago on the Empire Builder line, will also be in service later this week. Those trains will be #517, #506 and #505 serving travelers between Seattle and Portland and train #518, which serves travelers between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver BC.

Amtrak Cascade riders are currently being served by buses running between stops since March 26, when all but one of Amtrak’s Horizon train sets were pulled from service after “corrosion issues” were found, according to WSDOT.

However, as normal routes are being restored, there will be a limited number of cars on each train, with just two coach cars, 17 business class seats and a cafe car.

“Because there will be fewer seats on the train, those looking to travel should book early to ensure they get a seat,” WSDOT spokesperson Janet Matkin told KOIN 6 News.

WSDOT says it’s unclear how long seating will be limited.


Discover more from RSS Feeds Cloud

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Discover more from RSS Feeds Cloud

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading