(The following report appeared on The Oregonian website on August 6.)
PORTLAND, Ore. — Amtrak will resume limited train service this morning on its Cascade route, which runs between Eugene and Seattle.
The service was suspended Friday after a routine mechanical inspection of Talgo railcars used in the operation of Amtrak Cascades trains found cracks in the train’s suspension service.
Train equipment is being transferred to the Pacific Northwest from other parts of the passenger rail service’s network, said Kurt Laird, Amtrak’s district superintendent.
Substitute train service will operate at reduced speeds and will not include some of the amenities featured on the regular Cascades service such as business class, feature movies or bicycle accommodations. There will also be limited seating for the mobility impaired.
Amtrak Cascades consists of four daily round-trips between Portland and Seattle, with service between Bellingham, Wash., and Portland, via Seattle; between Eugene and Seattle, via Portland; and between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.