Amtrak is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation for all our passengers. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and operational excellence, Amtrak has made the necessary decision to temporarily remove our fleet of Horizon passenger cars from service due to concerns over corrosion. This action, while essential for ensuring the highest safety standards, has unfortunately led to widespread service adjustments and cancellations across our network, particularly impacting operations on the Cascades, Borealis, and Hiawatha routes.
Reason for Temporarily Removing the Horizon Car Fleet
On March 26, 2025, Amtrak announced the immediate removal of its fleet of Horizon passenger cars from service following the discovery of corrosion in several of the railcars. While working with the manufacturer, Alstom (formerly Bombardier), Amtrak decided to take this precautionary measure after intensive inspections revealed additional areas of concern across multiple cars. A total of 70 Horizon cars are affected – 61 coaches and nine food-service cars. These cars were ordered in 1988 and delivered by 1990.
Impact on Amtrak Services and Routes Affected
The removal of the Horizon car fleet has significantly impacted services on several routes:
- Amtrak Cascades: Operations between Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, Oregon, have been severely affected. All but one of the seven daily round trips have been cancelled. The single remaining round trip operating is between Seattle and Eugene, Oregon (trains Nos. 503 and 508), utilizing the Cascades’ lone operable Talgo trainset.
- Borealis: Today’s (March 26, 2025) Borealis service between Chicago and St. Paul, Minnesota, has been cancelled in both directions. Alternate bus transportation is being provided for affected passengers due to equipment unavailability.
- Hiawatha: Three of the six daily round trips between Chicago and Milwaukee have been cancelled, with bus substitutions being implemented.
- Downeaster: The Downeaster service, operating between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, will continue to operate five round trips daily but with a reduced consist of three Amfleet coaches per train.
Amtrak is actively working to mitigate these disruptions and restore regular service as quickly and safely as possible.
Information and Options for Affected Passengers
We understand the significant inconvenience these service disruptions may cause and sincerely apologize to our affected passengers. If you believe your travel may be impacted, please take the following steps:
Check Your Reservation Status
- The most up-to-date information regarding your specific reservation can be found on the Amtrak website (Amtrak.com) or through the Amtrak mobile app.
- You can also check your reservation status by contacting our customer service center at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Rebooking Options
- Passengers whose trains have been canceled will be contacted by Amtrak directly via email or phone, if contact information was provided during booking.
- Our customer service agents are available to assist with rebooking options, including finding alternative travel times or dates, where possible.
- You may also be able to modify your reservation online or through the mobile app.
Refund Policies
- Passengers whose trains are canceled are entitled to a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket.
- Information regarding Amtrak’s refund policies can be found on our website at [https://amtrakroutes.com/amtrak-to-new-orleans/].
Communication Channels for Assistance
- Amtrak Website: Amtrak.com
- Amtrak Mobile App: Available for download on iOS and Android devices.
- Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
- Social Media: Follow Amtrak on Twitter ([Insert Amtrak Twitter Link]) for the latest service updates.
Amtrak’s Response and Mitigation Efforts
Amtrak is actively working to address the situation and minimize further disruption to our passengers. Our efforts include:
- Accelerated Inspections and Maintenance: Teams are focused on thoroughly inspecting the Horizon car fleet and conducting any necessary maintenance to ensure their safe return to service.
- Fleet Optimization and Redistribution: Amtrak is working to redistribute other available equipment within our national fleet to cover affected routes where possible.
- Substitute Transportation: Where train service is not possible, Amtrak is securing alternate transportation, such as buses, to help passengers reach their destinations. This is currently in effect for portions of the Borealis, Hiawatha, and Cascades routes. The Washington State Department of Transportation has secured buses for Cascades passengers through March 30, 2025.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Amtrak is communicating closely with state partners, such as the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, to develop long-term plans for service continuity.
Timeline and Expected Duration of Disruption
The removal of the Horizon car fleet is effective as of March 26, 2025. Amtrak is currently evaluating the extent of the corrosion issues and working diligently to determine the timeline for the return of these cars to service. We anticipate service disruptions will continue in the short term, particularly on the Cascades, Borealis, and Hiawatha routes. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available and a long-term plan is developed.
Our Commitment to Safety
Amtrak’s commitment to the safety of our passengers and employees is unwavering. The decision to temporarily remove the Horizon car fleet reflects our dedication to upholding the highest safety standards in all our operations.
Conclusion
Amtrak is taking necessary steps to address the service disruptions caused by the removal of the Horizon car fleet. We understand the impact this has on our passengers, especially on the Cascades, Borealis, Hiawatha, and Downeaster routes, and are working diligently to minimize inconvenience and restore regular service as quickly and safely as possible. We encourage all passengers to check their reservation status and utilize our communication channels for the latest updates and assistance. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.