Amtrak Replaces Trains with Buses Amid Car Corrosion

Amtrak has temporarily replaced its Borealis line between St. Paul and Chicago with charter buses due to corrosion discovered on several Horizon railcars during routine inspections. This decision also affects other routes, including the Downeaster, Hiawatha, and Cascades, with varying degrees of service disruption. A total of 70 Horizon railcars nationwide have been pulled from service, with 26 specifically from the Cascades route. The corrosion, found primarily on parts exposed to water, ice, and deicing treatments, led Amtrak to work with the manufacturer to address safety concerns. Until repairs are complete, substitute transportation, such as buses, will be used, although Amtrak has not provided a timeline for when rail services will resume. Despite the disruptions, other services like the Empire Builder remain unaffected.