Mechanical problems again knock WES train out of service

TriMet plans to buy used rail cars as backups for commuter line

Pamplin Media Group, Oct 27, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (3 Reader comments)

More mechanical problems sent Wednesday morning WES passengers to the buses for some trips between Wilsonville and Beaverton.

TriMet said Tuesday night that four of the 16 morning WES trips will be provided by shuttle buses because repairs were still being made to one of the commuter rail trains.

Trips leaving Wilsonville at 6:21 and 7:51 a.m. and Beaverton Transit Center at 6:58 and 8:28 a.m. will be provided by shuttle buses. Riders can take the shuttle, ride a local bus or wait for the next WES train, and should add up to 30 minutes to their commute.

The problems should be corrected by Wednesday afternoon’s commute.

This is the third time a WES train has been knocked out of service because of mechanical problems.

This time, a failed electrical component had to be changed and its programming wasn't complete in time for Wednesday morning’s commute.

Mechanical troubles seem more glaring on WES because TriMet doesn’t have backup rail cars, said Bekki Witt, TriMet spokeswoman. The WES system has bugs just like buses and light-rail trains, she said, but equipment problems have a larger impact on the commuter rail line.

“It is just more noticeable with WES because we do not have spare vehicles and must supplement train service with shuttle buses when a WES vehicle is out for repair,” Witt said.

TriMet plans to purchase two used rail diesel cars to be used as spare vehicles for the route, she said. They should arrive late this year, but won’t be ready for service until early 2010, Witt said.

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