Several train cars are on their to Seattle to replace the Horizon trainsets unexpectedly taken out of Amtrak Cascades service on March 26 due to corrosion issues. Some train cars have already arrived, while others are on their way. They are being transported as part of Amtrak’s long-distance train, the Empire Builder, from Chicago.

The first Amtrak Cascades trains that will be back in service are Train 516 and Train 519 between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. These trains are expected to resume on Tuesday, April 1.

As additional train cars arrive over the next week, they will quickly be entered into service, with trains replacing the buses that are currently running. The goal is to quickly restore all trips, but with a limited number of cars on each train. Therefore, most trains will have fewer seats available, providing just two coach cars, 17 business class seats and a Café car. In some cases, this could result in the availability of just half the number of coach seats as normal. It is uncertain how long this limited seating will remain in place. For future travel plans, book your travel in advance due to limited seating options until our routes are fully operational.