What does a truck bolster do?
CALTRAIN TEMPORARILY REMOVES CARS FROM SERVICE
CALTRAIN TEMPORARILY REMOVES CARS FROM SERVICE
During a recent train car inspection, Caltrain discovered hairline cracks on the bolster for a truck, which supports the rail car’s suspension. As part of Caltrain’s continuing concern for safety, Caltrain staff then inspected all similar gallery equipment, which are the fluted stainless steel cars. Cracks were discovered on 14 of the cars.
“Safety is our highest priority, and to eliminate any potential safety risk, we removed the cars from service,” said Caltrain Chief Operating Officer Chuck Harvey. “Our maintenance team is working closely with the car manufacturer to develop a plan to repair the cars and return them to service as soon as safely possible.”
The removal of the cars requires Caltrain to shift the size of its trains. Trains that had operated with five-car gallery sets will only have four cars, which may require some passengers to stand during their trip. Some of the cars removed from service were wheelchair accessible with an onboard wheelchair lift. To continue to accommodate its customers who use wheelchairs, Caltrain has removed the luggage racks from the luggage cars. In those instances, conductors will board passengers in wheelchairs via a manual wheelchair lift located on platforms.
Caltrain doesn’t have an estimate on how long the cars will be out of service. However, the rail agency is contacting other commuter railroads to see if they can borrow any spare cars.
The change in train size and the use of the manual lift may cause minimal delays to trains. Caltrain apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause its passengers but wants to assure them that safety is its first priority.
