Date:  Thursday, August 19, 2010

Contact:

Vickie Sheehan, WSDOT Communications, 360-705-7904

UPDATED: Numbers reported in this news release may have caused some confusion. The reported July 2010 ridership of nearly 25,000 for the second train was not measuring only passengers traveling to and from Vancouver, B.C. Total ridership measures all passengers aboard a train regardless of where they depart or arrive. The second train to Vancouver, B.C., includes the northbound train #516 and the southbound train #513.

OLYMPIA – After one year in operation, the second Amtrak Cascades train to Vancouver, B.C., has topped its ridership expectations and recorded its best month in July, with nearly 25,000 passengers.

To encourage even greater ridership between the state of Washington and British Columbia, travelers will be offered a 25 percent ticket discount on Amtrak Cascades travel to Vancouver, B.C. during the month of September.

Gov. Chris Gregoire and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell both credit the partnership between Washington and British Columbia, as well as support from tourism agencies and other local and regional partners, for the success of the second train that provides another option for cross-border travel.

“Amtrak Cascades has proven to be a successful transit option and is growing in popularity,” said Gregoire. “The bonds between Washington and our neighbors up north in British Columbia are strong and built upon a long history of friendship and collaboration. Having a viable travel option connecting our communities is important for both of our economies, strengthening trade and tourism between the two nations.”

From the day service began Aug. 19, 2009, through July 31, ridership for the second Amtrak Cascades train has totaled more than 221,000. Ridership on the original train to Vancouver, B.C., has also increased dramatically, up over 21 percent compared to 2009.

“The addition of a second train between Washington state and Vancouver has proven to be a tremendous success,” said Premier Campbell. “The Amtrak Cascades train enhances tourism between our communities and helps to create jobs at both ends of the line.”

The second daily Amtrak Cascades train is currently being operated as a pilot program through September 2010, with proposed plans for the service to continue if the Canada Border Services Agency decides to allow the train to pass without additional security fees.

“The increased number of passengers on this additional Amtrak Cascades service proves that passenger rail is a valuable transportation option and we will continue our commitment to growing the service through this high-speed corridor”, said Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond.

"Our government has worked extremely hard with the Washington State Department of Transportation to ensure that the second Amtrak Cascades train is successful and continues in the years ahead,” said B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Shirley Bond. “The growing demand and ridership provides a compelling reason for this enhanced service to continue and for us to further strengthen our partnership related to Washington and other transportation initiatives.”

To take advantage of the popular Amtrak Cascades service and reach more potential customers, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Province of British Columbia, Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Attractions Group are working together on a marketing effort. During the month of September, travelers will be able to enjoy a 25 percent discount on Amtrak Cascades fares to Vancouver, B.C. Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Attractions Group are also offering exclusive discounts on Vancouver attractions for Amtrak Cascades passengers. Details and booking information is available at www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/amtrak.

Amtrak Cascades operates four daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; one daily round trip between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., and one between Portland and Vancouver, B.C.; and daily service between Eugene and Seattle, via Portland. Amtrak Cascades is operated by Amtrak in partnership with the Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation. For Amtrak Cascades fares and schedules, visit AmtrakCascades.com.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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