Amtrak cascades popularitiy breaking records

Second train to Vancouver, B.C., boosts cross-border tourism

SEATTLE - Amtrak Cascades is having a great year with total ridership year to date - up over 13 percent from 2009. The third quarter of 2010 set a new ridership record with an increase of nearly 16,100 riders over the previous year, making it the highest ridership for the third quarter since 1994. Total ridership for the third quarter was 237,162 - a 7 percent increase over 2009.

The second train service to Vancouver, B.C. has contributed significantly to the increased ridership. Over 68,000 riders traveled on the second train between Vancouver, B.C. and Portland in the third quarter. This train has gained approval to continue for another year without the proposed Canadian border services fees. The second train was previously scheduled through the end of October 2010. Reservations are now available for future travel.

WSDOT estimates the second train service has brought about $11.8 million a year in additional revenue to Vancouver's tourism industry.

Amtrak Cascades operates three 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.