Ridership on Amtrak's Cascades service experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with the number of passengers surging 41%, nearly reaching one million. The route connecting Portland, Oregon, to Vancouver, British Columbia, reportedly transported 941,727 passengers throughout the year, bolstered by strategic service enhancements and the post-pandemic recovery of travel.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), during the first three quarters of 2024, ridership stood at 739,000, reflecting a 36% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The spike can largely be attributed to the addition of extra daily trains, which improved both accessibility and travel convenience across the Cascades route.
The Amtrak Cascades service, which operates between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, B.C., is jointly funded and managed by WSDOT and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Amtrak operates the service on tracks owned by different railway companies. BNSF Railway is responsible for the tracks in Washington and British Columbia, whereas Union Pacific owns the Oregon segment, and Sound Transit oversees the section between Tacoma and Nisqually.
A key component of the ridership surge was the introduction of two additional daily round trips between Seattle and Portland. This expansion, which brought the total to four daily trips between Seattle and Portland, occurred alongside existing routes serving Eugene and Vancouver. WSDOT noted, "The two new daily round trip trains are the primary reason ridership and revenues surged in 2024." This enhancement allowed for improved scheduling to accommodate the growing number of passengers seeking train travel.
Previous enhancements to the service included the addition of a second daily train between Bellingham and Vancouver, B.C. These changes have made rail travel more attractive, especially as commuting options continued to expand.
"The Federal Railroad Administration earmarked nearly $50 million to support proposed high-speed rail service across the Pacific Northwest," according to recent reports. This funding aims to advance the development of high-speed rail infrastructure, which will significantly improve connectivity and efficiency for long-distance travelers.
The focus on investing and enhancing rail service reflects broader trends aimed at sustainable transportation solutions. With rising concerns over congestion and the environment, passenger rail offers eco-friendly alternatives to car travel. Stakeholders advocate for continued public investment to sustain and expand rail travel capacity, reliability, and efficiency.
Looking forward, elements of the infrastructure improvements may address service frequency and travel time reduction. The growing demand emphasizes the necessity for rail systems to adapt and evolve, catering to increasingly busy cities and the need for reliable transportation options.
Committing to passenger experience remains at the forefront of Amtrak and WSDOT's objectives, with efforts centered on ensuring service reliability. The introduction of improved scheduling and additional departures aligns with the goals to meet rising demand and boost ridership. The strategic changes by Amtrak and WSDOT demonstrate their commitment to strengthening the Pacific Northwest's rail network. Continued developments will not only facilitate growth but are also pivotal for enhancing regional economic sustainability.
Overall, with continued investments and infrastructure improvements, Amtrak Cascades aims to redefine travel across the Pacific Northwest, enhancing both regional connectivity and commuter options.