Originally published October 24, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 25, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Car repairs getting Amtrak back on track
Amtrak train service in the Pacific Northwest is returning to normal with its Talgo railcars back in service more quickly than expected...
Seattle Times Travel staff
Amtrak train service in the Pacific Northwest is returning to normal with its Talgo railcars back in service more quickly than expected, Amtrak officials said Tuesday.
All Talgo trains were sidelined in early August after cracks were found in the suspension system of some railcars. They were inspected and repaired in Seattle, with the last returned to service Sunday.
Schedules should be back to normal, with speedier travel times and more amenities aboard the Talgo trains, starting Monday when the fall/winter timetable takes effect.
"We are pleased that the train sets were repaired and returned to service in time for the upcoming holiday-travel season," said Kurt Laird, Amtrak's district superintendent.
Older Superliner equipment was substituted on routes between Seattle and Oregon; that meant amenities such as business-class seating and a sit-down dining car were not provided on the trains.
Amtrak Cascades offers four daily round trips between Portland and Seattle plus service north to Vancouver, B.C., and south to Eugene, Ore. It's operated by Amtrak under contracts with the Washington and Oregon state departments of Transportation and uses the modern and popular Talgo railcars.
However, Amtrak trains between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., will continue to use the older Superliner, not Talgo, trains, because of scheduled maintenance that continues through Dec. 31.
That means there's no business-class seating, no sit-down dining-car service, and no movies (which are provided on Talgo trains). It's also more difficult to travel with a bicycle on Superliner trains; unlike the Talgo cars, they have no bike racks so bikes must be boxed.
Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 04:00 PM
Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
Comoros crash spotlights risks of Third World air travel
Flights getting back to normal after O'Hare computer problems
Get ready for heavy traffic for July Fourth holiday
Rome tourists get $980 restaurant lunch bill

Tribal Fireworks Rivalry
The Fourth of July marks a long-standing fireworks rivalry between two clans of a Native-American family in Suquamish.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling'
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- 6 jurors swear a cop's wife swayed panel in Kent civil rights case
- Fire sends service providers scrambling
- Going to Gas Works Park? Good luck
- Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million
- More than 1 million seek tix for Jackson memorial
- Rob Johnson's double in 11th powers Mariners past Red Sox, 7-6
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
737 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread
244 - Reports: NKorean missile arrives at launch site
94 - Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million
89 - 6 jurors swear a cop's wife swayed panel in Kent civil rights case
88 - Palin's Declaration of Independence
70 - Mariners score unlikely win over Red Sox in battle of bullpens
58 - Rob Johnson ties a club record as Mariners win 7-6 in 11 innings
54 - Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
39 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
37
- Going to Gas Works Park? Good luck
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Liven up Fremont's attempt to break a world record for a 'zombie walk'
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Lynnwood's City Bank gets tighter scrutiny
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Retail Report | Pet-supply shops grow while other retailers fade
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling'
- Fire sends service providers scrambling
- Oregon woman obsessed with rabbits back in jail





