Amtrak, a major rail operator in the United States, has successfully resumed train service on its Borealis, Hiawatha, Amtrak Cascades and Downeaster lines. The restoration efforts, completed in just under two weeks, aimed to fix disruptions caused by corrosion detected on the Horizon cars. However, trains are currently operating with fewer cars, requiring passengers to book tickets in advance.
70 Wagons Taken Out of Service After Corrosion Detection
During a routine inspection on March 26, 2025, signs of serious corrosion were detected on Horizon railcars manufactured by Bombardier Transportation. Amtrak has decided to immediately withdraw 70 of these railcars from service. The affected routes include Borealis and Downeaster, while temporary bus service has been restored.
The Horizon railcars, which entered service in the late 1980s and early 1990s, were the backbone of Amtrak's short- and medium-haul rail service. However, after more than 30 years in service, corrosion has highlighted the aging nature of the Amtrak fleet.
Passenger Safety is a Priority, Fleet Modernization is on the Agenda
Amtrak is working to provide alternative transportation solutions to minimize service disruptions, repair the withdrawn railcars and prevent similar problems in the future. Company officials said they have begun talks with new railcar manufacturers to increase passenger safety and improve service quality.
Amtrak representatives said in a statement, “The condition of our aging vehicles indicates that we need to re-evaluate our maintenance strategies. We plan to operate with a more modern and safer fleet in the coming years.” It was also shared that new technologies will be implemented to increase travel safety.
Is the Era of Horizon Wagons Coming to an End?
The corrosion problem has once again brought to the agenda the need to modernize not only Horizon cars but also the older fleets in the US rail sector in general. Amtrak, which aims for comfort, safety and continuity in passenger transportation, sees this process as a turning point.
