Olympia — The Washington and Oregon transportation departments on Wednesday announced a renewed push to improve and integrate passenger rail service between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C.
The two states will create a new partnership and management plan that includes joint governance, management, scheduling, budgeting and capital planning. Helping lead the effort is John Sibold, selected to fill the new position of Cascade Corridor director.
The initiatives were announced by Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and Oregon Department of Transportation Director Matt Garrett. The two hope to benefit economies and passengers in both states by improving rail service.
Amtrak operates its Cascades line along the Eugene-to-Canada corridor, carrying almost 850,000 passengers last year, according to transportation officials. Both states have recently pursued rail investments aiming to increase service for passengers. With the help of federal stimulus money, Amtrak may soon add two more round trips between Portland and Seattle, bringing the total to six, according to the Washington transportation officials.
