High-Speed Acela Service Hindered By Mechanical Flaws

Only two of Amtrak's 18 Acela Express trains, which serve the Northeast corridor between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., are in service today after inspections yesterday revealed cracks in the undercarriage of the trains' locomotives. As of late yesterday, 11 of Amtrak's 18 Acela trains had been inspected, with nine of them revealing cracks or fractures.

As of Tuesday evening, the two operating trains were running on a schedule that sent the first southbound train from Boston at 6:15 a.m. and departing Washington to New York at 6 p.m. The second departs New York at 8 a.m. for Washington, with a 4 p.m. return to New York and Boston. Only some of the trains have been standing room only, as Amtrak is supplementing the two Acelas with slower, regional trains. Amtrak said it will credit passengers for the difference between Acela Express and any slower train they may have to board.

"It's just kind of sad because Amtrak had been making inroads against the US Airways shuttle with our travelers, and now people may just go back to the shuttle," said Debbie Horrell, contract manager with World Bank. "After Sept. 11, people just felt like it was simpler to take the train, and Amtrak had built their frequent travelers program--both of which helped them build their clientele with us."

Amtrak officials said the problem involves assemblies that are designed to prevent the train from swaying and possibly damaging tracks and train wheels.

On Wednesday, a temporary remedy was proposed by representatives of the train's manufacturers, Bombardier-Alstom. If approved by Amtrak, the damaged trains will remain out of service for at least a few days. A more extensive repair instead will mean the trains are sidelined for weeks. An Amtrak spokesperson said the Acela trains have been breaking down frequently and require manufacturer modifications. Prior to this week's reductions, the trains already had been reduced from 18 to 15, though three units were reserved in case of breakdowns.

If Amtrak is able to fix the problems this month--traditionally a slow month for business travel--and before the fall business travel season begins next month, the damage to loyalty may be lessened, Horrell said.