Hotline #101-A - September 1, 1999

Delivery of the first Acela high-speed train set will be delayed until next spring, according to an announcement today by Amtrak and by the consortium that is building the train.

In July, a problem was identified at the test track in Pueblo, Colo., caused by excessive side-to-side motion of the wheel-sets at high speeds. This was reported on in the press at the time. Since then, engineers have been modifying the wheel sets. But this has led to excessive wheel wear, primarily on the passenger coaches, though it has reduced the previous problem.

The consortium decided in the last few days to delay the testing and delivery process until a final solution to the wheel-set problem can be found. While this is no longer a safety issue, the excessive wheel-wear problem would mean unacceptably high maintenance costs. The consortium stressed that it wants the final product to meet Amtrak's and passengers' expectations.

Amtrak expressed disappointment with the development, but also stated its desire for a product that meets expectations. Amtrak will confirm a new delivery schedule about 60 days from now, after the consortium can make such a commitment. Amtrak said that the delay would have no impact on its long-term goal of operational self-sufficiency by 2003. This would be partly due to the fact that construction on train sets can proceed while the wheel-wear problem is investigated.

Put another way, the original 12-month delivery schedule of all 20 trains -- which was to run from November 1999 to November 2000 -- can be condensed because construction on the remaining trains can go forward. The delay in full service with all 20 trains will not be as long as the delay in delivering the first train set. Amtrak will forego the revenues (and operating costs) of the limited service that would have been offered this winter, but without having as long a delay to the revenues (and costs) associated with running the full 20-set service.

Meanwhile, electrification work continues, with 80% of the wires up, and three of the four substations tested. In early January, Amtrak plans to convert a couple of NortheastDirect trips to Boston to all-electric power, and will gradually convert all remaining trips. These electric trips will be under four hours between New York and Boston, a significant improvement over today.