By Exordium Gaming Amtrak faces a rolling stock crisis, meaning it has a shortage of trains and locomotives available for service. This is due to several factors, including aging equipment, maintenance issues, and a lack of parts for use in the United States. Specific examples include the removal of Horizon railcars due to corrosion and the need for brake system rebuilds on bilevel cars.
- Aging Route Equipment: Amtrak’s fleet includes older trains that have been in service for many years. This aging equipment is more prone to breakdowns and requires more frequent maintenance.
- Maintenance Issues: The horizon car example highlights a serious maintenance issue that led to the removal of 70 railcars from service. Other issues, such as brake system rebuilds, also contribute to the shortage of available rolling stock in North America.
- Lack of Parts: Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that Mechanical employees are often required to cannibalize parts while waiting for replacements, leading to operational impacts.
- Operational Impacts: The shortage of trains and locomotives has several operational impacts, including limited service frequency, canceled trains, and increased workloads for employees.
- Solutions: Amtrak is working to address the rolling stock crisis through various initiatives, including investing in new trains, modernizing infrastructure, and improving maintenance practices.
- Funding: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(IIJA) provides significant funding for Amtrak to modernize its fleet and expand service.
- Future Plans: Amtrak has ambitious goals to increase ridership and expand service, which requires addressing the rolling stock crisis.
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