Amtrak Cascades service fully restored after 11-day disruption
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Amtrak Cascades lines are now fully up and running after all but one were suddenly removed from service eleven days ago.
According to Amtrak spokesperson Kelly Just, the service was restored and trains began operating on schedule Sunday morning.
The old Horizon trains were originally removed from service due to corrosion concerns on the aging equipment. The resulting service disruption affected service to 18 stops between Vancouver, B.C. and Eugene.
Meanwhile, a total of 70 passenger cars across the country were affected, including 26 on the Amtrak Cascades route, according to spokesperson Kelly Just.
In the interim, customers were offered alternative transportation or the option to cancel their trip for a full refund or rebook at a later travel date without change fees.
Amtrak then began looking for replacement trains from out of state, releasing a timeline for their rollout on March 31.
In the meantime, Amtrak secured buses to send passengers to their destinations while they started looking for replacement trains from out of state.
Despite the service restoration, Amtrak noted there will be a limited number of cars on each train, with just two coach cars, 17 business class seats and a cafe car.
As a result, Amtrak suggests customers book their trips in advance.