Amtrak removes railcars from service after discovering corrosion

MILWAUKEE - Concerns over corrosion have disrupted several Amtrak routes – including service between Milwaukee and Chicago. 

Amtrak issued a statement that read, in part, that it removed "several Horizon railcars" after an inspection uncovered corrosion in some of the equipment. 

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Corrosion concerns

The backstory:

Normally, the train station at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is bustling with activity. However, it was unusually quiet on Thursday morning as reduced service affected hundreds of people who use rail to travel between Milwaukee and Chicago. 

Amtrak (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

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What they're saying:

In its statement, Amtrak said: "In compliance with federal requirements and its ongoing commitment to safety, Amtrak routinely inspects its railcars and locomotives. We discovered corrosion in several Horizon railcars and, while working with the manufacturer, decided to remove the equipment from service after learning of additional areas of concern from intensive inspections of multiple cars."

Big picture view:

The removal of this equipment from service will affect services on several routes – including Downeaster, Hiawatha, Borealis, and Amtrak Cascades. 

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Some trains, such as the Downeaster, will operate with fewer cars, while other services will be provided substitute transportation until a long-term plan is developed. 

What you can do:

The most up-to-date arrival and departure times are available on Amtrak.com, their free mobile app or by text or phone at 1-877-231-9448 to speak with an Amtrak Customer Care Specialist.