DRAFT TEXT (mostly pulled from press release)

The Intercity Passenger Rail Improvement Priorities (HB 1837 and SB 5667) requires the
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Legislature to implement
long-awaited improvements to Amtrak Cascades intercity passenger rail service.

This legislation addresses concerns that WSDOT’s current plans for Amtrak Cascades are not sufficiently
robust. Commenting on these plans, House Transportation Committee Chair Fey and Ranking Member
Barkis wrote that the WSDOT plan needs to drive transformative improvements in trip speed, reliability,
and frequency that make traveling by rail along this corridor more convenient, accessible, and
competitive with other modes of travel.

The legislation aims to enhance mobility options and improve community health along the corridor.
More reliable Amtrak Cascades service will relieve congestion on I-5, reduce highway wear and tear,
lower emissions, and boost the economies of station communities.

The bill directs WSDOT to work with stakeholders to achieve:

● 2 hour-30 minute trip times Seattle-Portland, with a minimum of 14 round trips daily
● 2 hour-45 minute trip times Seattle-Vancouver, B.C., with a minimum of 5 round trips daily
● Minimum 88 percent on-time performance
● Timeline for completion by 2035