OLYMPIA — Increasingly popular passenger trains rumble between Portland and Seattle four times a day as the upgraded Amtrak Cascades service continues to attract business travelers, sightseers and Mariners fans seeking an alternative to airports and Interstate 5. Ridership has risen sixfold in the past eight years, turning the 466-mile Eugene-to-Vancouver, B.C., corridor into one of Amtrak’s fastest-growing services. Rider Read More ›
SEATTLE — There’s an unusual coalition of train lovers here determined to ensure at least some passenger rail survives along the American West Coast even if Amtrak dies. What is interesting for British Columbians is that some of the strongest proponents of passenger rail on the U.S. West Coast are trying to “internationalize” the rail corridor. They want fast, efficient Read More ›
This section came from a larger summary of opinion from San Juan (Wash.) leaders in housing, growth, technology, education and volunteerism, in addition to transportation. For the complete article, click here. Transportation Since 1997, community leaders have gathered regularly at the Farmhouse Inn in La Conner to explore better ways to connect communities in North Snohomish, Skagit, Island, Whatcom and Read More ›
The quick, pragmatic answer is the national passenger snail service known as Amtrak cannot be allowed to collapse. That means the railway should receive the short-term financing needed to keep it alive through October and into next year. Clearly, however, the three-decades-old Amtrak is a failure as it is now configured. Last week, the Bush administration proposed shifting more of Read More ›
A trip down to Portland on Amtrak’s comfortable Cascades train leaves you relaxed and ready to enjoy tales of woe from those who have dealt with airport security or traffic on Interstate 5. As well, riding the rails gives passengers time to reflect on a trio of topics: how we deal with Northwest growth, the Mickey Mouse aspects to the Read More ›
September 25, 2000 By JIM TORREYand SUSAN CASTILLOTHIS WEEK, leaders from the Pacific Northwest will gather in Eugene to share economic and environmental strategies. How can we help our economy and our communities thrive in an increasing global world? How can we link high speed rail, revitalized downtowns, trade and tourism corridors, and environmental efforts to improve our quality of Read More ›