February 2012
- The next phase of the ongoing overhaul of Amtrak Cascades train equipment is currently underway with the team ordering materials. Work on the first train will begin in March.
- This next phase will include renovations to the Bistro and Lounge cars, which have begun to show some wear and tear after over a decade of heavy use by passengers.
- The floors in the Bistro and Lounge cars will be replaced, the walls will be re-painted, all seats will be reupholstered with new leather, and metal finishes will be restored to their original luster.
Why is WSDOT
overhauling the Amtrak Cascades trainsets?
There are five trainsets in the Amtrak Cascades fleet of equipment. WSDOT owns three - the Mt. Adams, the Mt. Rainier, and the Mt. Baker, and Amtrak owns two – the Mt. Hood and the Mt. Olympus. These trains operate over a 466-mile rail corridor that connects Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC.
Amtrak Cascades trains are heavily used and require periodic upgrades so that they continue to look clean and up to date and provide amenities that Pacific Northwest travelers have come to expect. The overhaul work is intended to extend the life of the trainsets so that they will continue to provide public benefits well into the future.
Since 2008, WSDOT, Amtrak, and the trainsets’ manufacturer Talgo Inc. have worked together to renovate the Business Class and Coach Class cars, upgrade the restrooms and vestibules, add safety features, and made upgrades to suspension systems and on-board computers. In 2011, Wi-Fi service was added and new video monitors were installed.
The End Result
The Amtrak Cascades fleet of equipment will continue to be safe, clean, and attractive to the travelling public.
Project Benefits
- Continued operation of Amtrak Cascades routes between Eugene, OR and Vancouver, B.C.
- Extended service life of the publicly owned trainsets
What is the project timeline?
Work is scheduled to begin in early 2012 and all five trainsets will have upgraded Bistro and Lounge cars by the end of the year.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Partnership Funding (Weight Fees) - $9 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $9 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kirk Fredrickson, PMP
Rail Operations Supervisor
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7407
E-mail: Fredrik@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top