SEATTLE — For the second consecutive weekend, Amtrak Cascades service has been disrupted between Portland and Seattle because of a landslide.
According to an Amtrak service advisory, all Cascade trains are cancelled today (Saturday, Jan. 27) and Sunday, Jan. 28, between Seattle and Portland with alternate transportation (buses) provided. Coast Starlight trains with originate or terminate in Portland, with alternate transportation provided between Portland and Seattle. Subsequent activity also has halted service between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Regular operations are expected to resume on Monday, Jan. 29; service to Vancouver, B.C., is expected to resume Tuesday, Jan. 30.
KGW-TV reports Amtrak attributed the cancellations to “an unforeseen track closure” following previous weather events. BNSF operating rules require a moratorium on passenger operations for 48 hours following a slide.
— Updated Jan. 29 at 8:30 a.m. CT with halt to service between Seattle and Vancouver.
What’s with the Amtrak euphemisms? If there’s a land slide, just say it.