Government Audit Reveals Manufacturing Defects in Amtrak’s New Acela Trains

Amtrak’s new Acela trains are facing potential delays once again, as a government audit of the $2.1 billion project has uncovered manufacturing defects in all 12 trainsets and 22 café cars produced so far. The report, published by Amtrak’s Inspector General, highlights both aesthetic and safety-related issues.

Some of the defects, such as misaligned ceiling panels, are of a cosmetic nature. However, there are also safety concerns, like water drainage between cars causing corrosion on parts that hold the train cars together. Additionally, the audit mentions five instances of windows spontaneously shattering.

The company responsible for designing and manufacturing the new trainsets, Alstom, expressed surprise at the identified defects and claimed that thorough inspections were conducted before shipping. They consider the modifications required as non-critical to the project’s completion.

The Acela trains, known for their high-speed capabilities and increased seating capacity, were originally slated for launch in Spring 2021. However, the project has experienced multiple delays, first due to the pandemic and subsequently due to difficulties in passing safety checks on the Northeast Corridor.

According to the government audit, the delays have already resulted in significant cost increases, operational impacts, and delayed revenue for the program. The extent of the setback caused by the identified defects remains unclear, as Alstom’s schedule to address them is incomplete.

Amtrak states that the trains are currently on track for an initial revenue launch in 2024, pending completion of testing and satisfaction of all safety requirements. Laura Mason, Amtrak’s EVP of Capital Delivery, emphasized that passenger service cannot begin until all safety standards specified by the Federal Railroad Administration are met.

Source: Every single one of Amtrak’s shiny new Acela trains has a manufacturing defect, audit says