Amtrak Suspends High-Speed Train Service

WASHINGTON —  Amtrak pulled its high-speed Acela Express trains out of service Tuesday after discovering cracks in shock-absorber assemblies, the latest in a summer-long series of financial and public-image blows to the struggling passenger railroad.

The entire fleet of 18 trains was halted after inspectors discovered the cracks beneath several locomotives. Amtrak President David Gunn said the trains would remain out of service for at least a few days.

Eight of the first 10 train sets inspected had problems, spokesman Bill Schulz said. Each train set includes two locomotives, and each locomotive has four of the shock-absorbing “yaw dampers.”

Inspections were continuing on the eight other Acela Express trains, which operate only between Washington, New York and Boston and are capable of a speed of 150 mph.

Gunn met Tuesday afternoon with representatives of Bombardier-North America and France’s Alstom Ltd., the trains’ manufacturers, to design a repair plan.

“We’re working with the manufacturer on a temporary fix,” Gunn said. “We’ve got to make sure it’s safe.” He added that he believes the repairs will be covered under Amtrak’s contract with the companies.

Amtrak put additional conventional trains into service to try to fill the service gap. Riders accustomed to the reserved seats and comforts of Acela Express had to make do.

“The train was packed and I had to stand,” said Julio Francisco, of Newark, N.J., after arriving in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning. Other passengers arriving in Philadelphia later Tuesday said nobody had to stand on their trains.

Bombardier spokeswoman Carol Sharpe said the company was waiting for its technical team to report its findings.

Other Amtrak trains that serve the busy Northeast Corridor, including Acela Regional and Metroliner service, are not affected. “We’re bringing as much equipment as we can into service to make up for the shortfall,” Schulz said.

Amtrak pledged to credit passengers for the difference in ticket prices between Acela Express and the trains they take.

Passengers were encouraged to check departures by visiting Amtrak’s Web site or calling (800) USA-RAIL.

Acela Express is Amtrak’s premier service in its busiest market. More than 10,000 people ride the trains on a typical weekday, enjoying amenities including a pub-style cafe car and electrical outlets at every seat.