Showing posts with label train. Show all posts
Showing posts with label train. Show all posts

Celebrating 30 years of Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service and looking to the future

Monday, April 8, 2024

Two new Amtrak engine to be built by Siemens
Rendering courtesy WSDOT

OLYMPIA – Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service celebrated its 30-year anniversary on April 1, 2024. On this date in 1994, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Amtrak launched a single daily roundtrip between Seattle and Portland. This train supplemented the nationally funded long distance and regional service that had operated in the Pacific Northwest since Amtrak was formed in 1971.

Today the state-funded Amtrak Cascades system serves 18 cities in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Since its inception in April 1994, Amtrak Cascades has carried more than 18 million passengers. Its most popular stops along the 461-mile route include Seattle’s King Street Station, Portland’s Union Station, and Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“This 30-year milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of many partners, communities, elected officials and our valued passengers,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight, and Ports Division. “We’ve progressed significantly over the last three decades to meet the growing population and economy of our region, but today we reflect on where it all started.”

Train interior. Image courtesy WSDOT

Six months after the first train left Seattle, the service further expanded in October 1994 when the Oregon Department of Transportation and Amtrak added a daily train between Eugene and Portland. In May 1995 the service grew further to include trips between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Since that time, Washington and Oregon have worked together to schedule more daily trips. Today there are a total of 12 daily trains between Seattle and Portland; four between Portland and Eugene; and four between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

In 2024, WSDOT anticipates ridership on Amtrak Cascades to approach one million passengers annually.

“We’re thrilled to see so many people continuing to ride and support Amtrak Cascades over the years,” said Suzanne Carlson, administrator of ODOT’s Public Transportation Division. 
“As a regular Amtrak Cascades rider, I know how important this option is for all of us. We are fortunate to have an environmentally friendly, relaxing way to travel – and that’s going to become even more important as we look to grow and improve our service in the Pacific Northwest.”

Image courtesy WSDOT

As Amtrak Cascades looks toward the future, Amtrak and the states of Washington and Oregon are introducing a new fleet of state-of-the art trains that are scheduled to debut in 2026. 

The new trains, funded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are part of a nationwide transformation designed to revolutionize the passenger rail experience. 

The first Amtrak Airo trains will go to the Amtrak Cascades service in the Pacific Northwest. Both Washington and Oregon also are developing Amtrak Cascades service development plans to add more frequent and reliable daily service in the years ahead. WSDOT’s preliminary plan is available for comment through April 18, 2024.

“Today we pause to remember that it all began as a strategic decision to invest in passenger rail service by visionary leaders in the 1990s. We honor their foresight,” said Biggs. “We are grateful for the support received from so many people and organizations over the past 30 years and look forward to the decades ahead for even greater advances for passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest.”

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State receives two federal grants for passenger rail service

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Amtrak Cascades, Cascadia High-Speed Rail programs receive funding
Photo courtesy WSDOT

OLYMPIA – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced this week the award of grants for two Washington State Department of Transportation rail programs. The Amtrak Cascades and the Cascadia High-Speed Rail programs were each awarded $500,000 through the Corridor Identification and Development (CID) program.

With these awards, both programs are designated as national rail corridors and are now part of the federal funding pipeline for future intercity passenger rail projects. These initial $500,000 grants provide funding to develop scopes, schedules, and cost estimates for preparing a service-development plan for each corridor.

WSDOT submitted the Amtrak Cascades grant application in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Transportation. It will support preparation of an integrated service-development plan for both states that creates a blueprint for improvements over the next 20 years.

The Cascadia High-Speed Rail application supports planning for a separate rail corridor connecting Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., with hour long trips between each city. The Cascadia mega-region is experiencing considerable growth, with three to four million more people expected by 2050. By studying the viability of a high-speed train system, the region can determine the best ways to address transportation and other related quality-of-life issues for future generations.

“WSDOT is very pleased to receive federal support for both important passenger rail programs,” said Washington Transportation Secretary Roger Millar. 
“These two complementary systems would connect with one another to transport people efficiently, reliably and in environmentally friendly ways. We’re planning improvements for current rail passengers, as well as envisioning an even more robust system in the future.”

WSDOT also applied for a $198 million Federal-State Partnership grant from FRA to support the Cascadia High-Speed Rail program. This application was not funded in the 2023 federal funding cycle, as FRA chose to award funding to projects ready for construction. 

However, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia plan to move forward with the analysis using existing state and provincial funds and will continue to coordinate with FRA on federal funding through the CID program. 

Federal-State Partnership grants will be part of the CID funding pipeline in the future. As projects progress through the CID process, they will be eligible to access future Federal–State Partnership planning funds without having to reapply.


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Save Big on Holiday Travel with the Amtrak Winter Flash Sale

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Enjoy a winter getaway without traffic or a middle seat on Amtrak

WASHINGTON – Amtrak has announced a limited-time flash sale on its routes nationwide. Now through November 15, 2023 the ultra-low fares are available to customers in hundreds of destinations across the country for travel from December 4, 2023, through March 15, 2024.

“As we head into the holiday season and in parallel with our recently updated fare structure, we’re excited to offer customers access to incredible deals when booking their winter travel,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch
“Whether visiting family and friends, hitting the slopes, or traveling for business, customers can relax in Amtrak’s spacious reclining seats with plenty of legroom and no middle seat.”
 
Sample One-Way Coach Fares To/From As Low As:

Customers can enjoy the new Amtrak fare structure to simplify their ticket booking process. With rounded dollar amounts and clear descriptors, the new Fare Families will make it easier and more affordable to travel with Amtrak. 

Rail travel is one of the most energy efficient modes of transportation, reducing emissions by up to 72% compared to flying and by up to 83% when driving a personal vehicle.

These sale fares are non-changeable and have a 50% cancellation fee. For customers who want fully changeable and refundable fares, the new structure offers affordable Flex fares.

This sale is valid for Coach and Acela Business Class fares. Seats are limited and restrictions apply. To book your next trip, visit Amtrak.com/WinterSale or the Amtrak app.

About Amtrak®
For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. 

Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.


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Dept of Ecology responds to BNSF train derailment

Friday, March 17, 2023

BNSF train derailment near Anacortes
Photo courtesy Dept of Ecology

A unified command has formed to address the March 16, 2023 train derailment near Anacortes. The command consists of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington Dept. of Ecology, BNSF Railway, Skagit County Department of Emergency Management, and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Shortly after midnight, a train derailed near the Swinomish Casino along the Padilla Bay waterfront. There were seven cars in the train, including two locomotives, one buffer car, and four tank cars. The two locomotives derailed, one of which spilled fuel to a berm on the land-side of the tracks. The buffer car partially derailed.

Responders arrived on the scene and found diesel on the ground and ongoing discharge from one of the locomotives. As a precautionary measure, cleanup contractors deployed boom to contain any spilled diesel from reaching the water and placed additional boom immediately off-shore. No petroleum sheen has been observed in the water.

Initial estimates were that up to 5,000 gallons of diesel spilled from the locomotive. Our current estimate based on fuel recovery efforts is that a maximum potential of up to 3,100 gallons was spilled. 

Approximately 600 gallons were recovered from the ground. The remaining fuel and contaminated soil will be removed and taken to a permitted facility. Some fuel remains in the locomotive and will be measured after it is moved to a safe position. Numbers will continue to be refined as the response progresses.

Fuel was removed from the second locomotive that was not leaking. The four tank cars were removed from the scene and a lifting unit is on scene to lift and remove the locomotives.

Multiple drone flights and helicopter overflights by the U.S. Coast Guard have confirmed no impact to water or wildlife. There have been no injuries.

The cause of the incident is unknown at this time. There will be a full investigation once the cleanup is complete.



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Amtrak Cascades service fully restored between BC and Portland

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

WASHINGTON – Amtrak, in collaboration with ODOT, WSDOT and other agencies resumed Cascades service between Portland, OR and Vancouver, BC on March 6, 2023. 

Today’s announcement marks the first time direct service will operate between Portland and stations north of Seattle since 2020. 

Serving 12 stations along the I-5 corridor in western Washington, including Edmonds, customers traveling north can depart downtown Seattle at 7pm — for an 11pm arrival in Vancouver, BC. 

The southbound train leaves Vancouver, BC at 6:35am for an 11am stop in downtown Seattle and a 2:55pm Portland arrival.

“With more people now traveling, we are thrilled to double the daily round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. By adding staffing and equipment to the region, we can once again offer customers a direct connection between Portland and Canada,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.

Running along the water from British Columbia, through river and mountain vistas in Washington and Oregon, Amtrak Cascades offers views of some of the country’s most distinctive cities and spectacular natural attractions.

Amtrak Cascades restarted daily service to Canada, between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, in September 2022. Now fully restored on the popular Pacific Northwest route, Amtrak Cascades offers a cafe car, which features products grown and made in the Pacific Northwest on its Bistro Menu.

Travelers also can enjoy large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags.

Customers can visit Amtrak.com, AmtrakCascades.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks and call 1-800-USA-RAIL for tickets. 

Travelers departing from Canada can also book their tickets at ViaRail.ca and through 1-888-VIA-RAIL.

The United States and Canadian governments have specific requirements for travel between the two countries. Those who fail to meet these criteria will not be allowed to cross the border.



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Amtrak to add second round-trip to Vancouver BC by March 7

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Amtrak to increase service to Vancouver, B.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Amtrak announced in a letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation that the company will add a second round-trip to Vancouver, B.C. beginning March 7, restoring full service on the Cascades line to pre-pandemic levels.

In the letter, Amtrak also stated that it will increase the number of daily trips between Seattle and Portland from four to six beginning in fall 2023.

“I’m thankful that Amtrak is finally on the path to fully restore service in the Pacific Northwest. I-5 corridor in the State of Washington is one of the most congested corridors in the nation and the Cascades service provides a convenient alternative to travelers. I will work to make sure Amtrak meets its commitment to restore additional service to Vancouver B.C. by March 7th and add two trips this fall,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee of Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Pre-pandemic, more than 750,000 annual riders utilized the route connecting the State of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia – a critical connector for the region’s businesses and travelers. The route from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. was suspended altogether in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2022, as the country recovered from the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell spoke with Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner and urged him to restore service between the State of Washington and Vancouver B.C.

Amtrak restored one of the two round-trips in September 2022. Shortly after, Sen. Cantwell pressed the nominees for Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors in a committee hearing on how they planned to restore full service.

Throughout the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell was a champion of the nation’s freight network. Due to her leadership, the bipartisan infrastructure bill provides $66 billion for rail grants she authorized as Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, including $22 billion for Amtrak. 

Currently, USDOT is accepting applications for the Federal-State Partnership Passenger Rail grant program which can be used to improve the Cascades service or build a new rail route in Washington state. The applications are due on March 7, 2023.



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New passenger trains coming to the I-5 corridor

Monday, December 19, 2022

New Amtrak trains will arrive in 2026
OLYMPIA – A new fleet of Northwest-themed Amtrak Cascades trains will transport passengers in style between Seattle, Vancouver, BC, Portland and other stations along the I-5 corridor when eight new trainsets and two new locomotives arrive in the Pacific Northwest in 2026.

Newly released renderings of the new trainsets show the traditional Amtrak Cascades evergreen and mocha color scheme incorporated in the state-of-the-art design, which also adds graphics of Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier on each car.

“Amtrak Cascades is eager to welcome new trains to our scenic 18-city route linking Washington, Oregon and British Columbia,” said Ron Pate, Director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division. 
“The branding of our new trains is unique to the Amtrak Cascades corridor, distinguishing them from others in the Amtrak fleet. Their arrival will herald a new generation of train travel in the Pacific Northwest.”
New seating
The new trains are part of a larger transformation that will revolutionize the national Amtrak experience. 

Manufactured at Siemens in California, the new trains are funded as a part of the Federal Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act awarded to Amtrak for their procurement. 

The Amtrak Cascades trains will be the first delivered by Siemens, with equipment for routes in the eastern United States following. The new trains will arrive in Seattle over a period of several months, entering into service once they have been thoroughly inspected, tested and approved.

Redesigned café car
The new trains will elevate the Amtrak Cascades journey with a focus on comfort and efficiency:
  • Environmental improvements: The new trains are more fuel efficient and produce significantly less air pollution
  • Amenities: Individual outlets, USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting, digital customer information systems, automated steps and touchless restroom controls
  • Comfortable seating: Each train seats more than 300 passengers and prioritizes ergonomics, offering large and sturdy tray tables, cushioned headrests, a dedicated water bottle holder and a seatback tablet holder
  • Redesigned café car: Featuring local Northwest favorite foods including beer, wine and spirits along with some self-service food options
  • Elevated experience: With panoramic windows and additional table seating, customers can enjoy some of the best views and connect to the some of the most scenic landscapes in the world

Amtrak Cascades is a partnership between WSDOT and the Oregon Department of Transportation, who sponsor the service operated under contract by Amtrak. It serves 18 stations between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia.

All photos courtesy WSDOT / Amtrak




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My Edmonds News: Driver uninjured after car hit by freight train in Edmonds

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Tow truck removing car from tracks in Edmonds
Photo by Mike Rosen

A vehicle was struck by a freight train after a driver made a wrong turn and ended up northbound on the BNSF railroad tracks at Dayton Street Saturday night, October 1, 2022. 

The driver, a 77-year-old Edmonds woman, had exited the vehicle before being struck and was uninjured, Edmonds police spokesperson Josh McClure said.

The incident occurred around 7:40pm after the driver “inadvertently turned onto the tracks,” McClure said. After the car became high centered on the tracks, the driver left the vehicle.

There was no evidence of driver impairment, he added.

Traffic was blocked at Dayton Street while the car was removed.

-Reporting by Teresa Wippel



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President Biden’s expansive infrastructure package includes funding to prevent landslides on our rail lines

Monday, June 6, 2022

Woodway landslide 1997 photo courtesy Dept of Ecology

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022 U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell announced $3.8 million in federal grants has been awarded to rail infrastructure projects in Western Washington to help prevent landslides.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive $3.8 million to fund the fourth phase of their rail landslide mitigation program, which will help reduce the risk of landslides on tracks between Everett and Seattle. 

These tracks are used by Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak’s Empire Builder, Sounder North, and BNSF freight trains and are subject to frequent landslides that bring the hillside down over the tracks.



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Photo: Train passing Innis Arden on a sunny day

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Photo by Barbara Twaddell

View from the upper trail at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. A train is passing below Innis Arden. The tide is moderately low and the sun is shining.



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Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle derails in Montana, killing three

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Joplin, the site of the Empire Building derailment, is in central Montana, very close to the Canadian border.

At approximately 4pm MT, Empire Builder train 7/27, traveling westbound from Chicago to Seattle/Portland, derailed operating on BNSF tracks near Joplin, Montana. 

There were approximately 141 passengers and 16 crew members onboard. The train consisted of two locomotives and 10 cars, with eight of those cars derailing.

Amtrak has a team on the ground to fully support the NTSB as they investigate the cause of the derailment.

Amtrak has had to make major adjustments to their schedule during the investigation. Amtrak customers can contact them at 800-872-7245 to obtain additional information about the status of services.

We are deeply saddened to learn local authorities are now confirming that three people have lost their lives as a result of this accident. There are also reported injuries among the passengers and crew members traveling on the train. 
Amtrak is working with the local authorities to transport those who were injured to medical care, and to safely evacuate everyone else at the scene.

Our Incident Response Team has been initiated, and we are sending emergency personnel and Amtrak leadership to the scene to help support our passengers, our employees and their families with their needs. Individuals with questions about their friends and family aboard this train should call 800-523-9101.


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Train load hits RB Saltwater Park pedestrian bridge

Thursday, December 10, 2020


The City of Shoreline has announced that the pedestrian bridge at RB Saltwater Park is temporarily closed due to an impact from a load carried by a train.

The load was a crane.

The bridge will remain closed until inspected by a structural engineer to ensure that it is safe. Because of the closure, there is no beach access at the park.

Updated 12-13-20





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Train - pedestrian collision Monday

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Shoreline fire vehicles parked near RB Saltwater Park
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg


Around 5pm on Monday, October 19, 2020, Shoreline Fire and Aid were out in full force to Saltwater Park to respond to a pedestrian who was hit by a train.

Aid vehicles in the lower parking lot at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
This is as close as they can get vehicles to the beach. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire


It is unknown what the person was doing near the tracks or what route the person took to get down to the tracks.

Fire reported that the patient was alert when being treated.

No other information is available at this time.



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Detectives investigating train-vs-pedestrian fatality in Woodway early Tuesday

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Photo by Mike Remarcke


Detectives from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a man whose body was found on the railroad tracks in Woodway, directly north of Shoreline, in the early hours of Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

According to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Courtney O’Keefe, deputies responded around 3am to reports of a body seen on railroad tracks near Richmond Beach Drive and Point Wells Road. Upon arrival, deputies found a man, believed to be in his 20s, dead on the tracks.

Major crimes detectives and collision investigation unit detectives responded to the scene, and detectives are still working to determine the cause of the incident, O’Keefe said. Detectives believe the victim was likely hanging onto the train before falling onto the tracks, she added.

At this time, there does not appear to be any evidence of foul play, but cause and manner of death, as well as positive identification of the victim, will be provided by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner.

--Reporting from MyEdmondsNews.com




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Early morning freight train breaking through misty fog

Friday, September 4, 2020

Photo by Karen Weber



Looking from the top of the hill leading down to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, the pedestrian bridge and the buildings at the beach.

The fog comes in from the Sound in a low, thick band at treetop level.

The photo caught the early freight train breaking through the misty fog below a sleepy Innis Arden, with the early light of dawn.




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Follow up: Ferry and commuter train traffic was delayed for two hours after train sideswiped truck

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Temporary signage to block entrance to
BNSF access road on Dayton
Photo by Larry Vogel, My Edmonds News



Ferry and commuter train service were both delayed and vehicle traffic to and from the Edmonds waterfront was blocked on both Dayton and Main Streets after a truck was sideswiped while driving on a private access road Tuesday morning, Edmonds police said.

The truck — driven by an 82-year-old Edmonds man — was traveling southbound on the road at 5:04 a.m. when it was hit by a southbound tanker train, Edmonds police spokesperson Sgt. Shane Hawley said. Following the incident, the driver was able to get out of the vehicle, then walked to nearby Dayton Street, where police found him. There were no signs of impairment, but police don’t know why the man was driving along the tracks, Hawley added.

The man was transported to Harborview Medical Center but his injuries did not appear to be life threatening, South County Fire spokesperson Leslie Hynes said.

The private access road is one of two that run along either side of the railroad tracks from Dayton Street southbound, and is owned by BNSF. The road on the east side ends at Woodway, but the gravel road on the west side — on which the man was traveling — ends after about 1,200 feet, Hawley explained. That is where the truck was stopped when the train arrived, sideswiping his vehicle.

The train blocked access to the Washington State ferries Edmonds-Kingston terminal, causing delays in early-morning sailings, and also resulted in delays to Sounder commuter train service. Following an investigation into the incident and track inspection, the train was moved at 7:04 a.m., and ferry, train and vehicle traffic resumed.

In response to the Tuesday morning train-vehicle collision, the City of Edmonds has placed temporary “Do Not Enter’ signage at the entrance to two access roads that run parallel to BNSF railroad tracks south of Dayton Street.

The city is working with BNSF to get them to place more permanent signs on their property to prevent future incidents.



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Ferry and commuter trains delayed after train sideswipes truck in Edmonds

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

The aftermath of the truck-tanker car collision Tuesday morning
Photo courtesy Edmonds police


From MyEdmondsNews.com

Ferry and commuter train service were both delayed and vehicle traffic to and from the Edmonds waterfront was blocked on both Dayton and Main Streets after a truck was sideswiped while driving on a private access road Tuesday morning, Edmonds police said.

The truck — driven by an 82-year-old Edmonds man — was traveling southbound on the road at 5:04am when it was hit by a southbound tanker train, Edmonds police spokesperson Sgt. Shane Hawley said. Following the incident, the driver was able to get out of the vehicle, then walked to nearby Dayton Street, where police found him. There were no signs of impairment, but police don’t know why the man was driving along the tracks, Hawley added.

The man was transported to Harborview Medical Center but his injuries did not appear to be life threatening, South County Fire spokesperson Leslie Hynes said.

The private access road is one of two that run along either side of the railroad tracks from Daley Street southbound, and is owned by BNSF. The road on the east side ends at Woodway, but the gravel road on the west side — on which the man was traveling — ends after about 1,200 feet, Hawley explained. That is where the truck was stopped when the train arrived, sideswiping his vehicle.

The train blocked access to the Washington State ferries Edmonds-Kingston terminal, causing delays in early-morning sailings, and also resulted in delays to Sounder commuter train service. Following an investigation into the incident and track inspection, the train was moved at 7:04am, and ferry, train and vehicle traffic resumed.



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Photo: Freight train

Friday, March 15, 2019

Burlington Northern Santa Fe train at RB Saltwater Park
Photo by Mike Remarcke


Freight Train

Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Please don't tell what train I'm on
They won't know what route I'm going

When I'm dead and in my grave
No more good times here I crave
Place the stones at my head and feet
And tell them all I've gone to sleep

When I die, oh bury me deep
Down at the end of old Chestnut Street
So I can hear old Number Nine
As she comes rolling by

When I die, oh bury me deep
Down at the end of old Chestnut Street
Place the stones at my head and feet
And tell them all I've gone to sleep

Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Please don't tell what train I'm on
They won't know what route I'm going

Songwriters: Fred Mcdowell
Freight Train lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 
The Bicycle Music Company, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc



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New reserved permit parking options available for Edmonds Sounder Station

Friday, March 1, 2019

Photo courtesy Sound Transit
Permit parking areas reserved until 8am; new free park-and-ride available in Edmonds

Starting April 1, riders using the parking lots at the Edmonds Station will be able to reserve a spot up to 8am by purchasing a Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) permit or signing up for a free carpool permit.

The permits, which go on sale Friday, March 1, 2019 will be available for a standard monthly fee of $90, with a discounted rate of $30 per month for riders who are eligible for ORCA Lift reduced transit fares.

Depending on demand, up to 50 percent of the parking at each station will be reserved for exclusively for permit holders arriving during the morning rush hours. All other station parking will remain open on a first-come, first-serve basis, as will any unused permit spaces after 8am, and on holidays and weekends.

On weekdays, parking lots at the Edmonds and Mukilteo stations are frequently full well before the last Sounder train departs for Seattle. This makes it difficult to access Sounder for those who can’t arrive before 7:00am, including parents who must drop children off at school or daycare, and other potential riders who don’t work a conventional 8am to 5pm schedule. These new permit options are intended to provide a reliable option for riders to find parking without arriving earlier than needed.

SOV permit applicants must use a valid ORCA card at least 12 times per month to board Sounder or a bus from the same station operated by Community Transit or Everett Transit. Carpool parking permits will be available free of charge to groups of two or more riders who all commit to use transit and share a ride to the station at least 12 times per month. ORCA records will be checked to verify regular ridership.

Riders can submit permit applications starting March 1. Apply online, or obtain more information about Sound Transit’s permit parking program HERE

Sounder riders can also park free of charge at the Edmonds United Methodist Church, located at 828 Caspers St. This new park-and-ride lot is a 20-minute waterfront walk or a short bus ride (Community Transit Route 196) away from Edmonds Station. If enough riders express interest, vanpools to the station may be formed. More information, or express interest in a vanpool HERE.

Solo-driver and carpool permits are also currently available at the Northgate Station Garage, which opened in 2018.


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Destinations: Model railroad show at Pacific Science Center this weekend

Thursday, January 17, 2019


All aboard! The Model Railroad Show is back for its 45th year. Join us from January 19 to 21, 2019, Saturday through Monday, to meet dozens of model railroaders and experience these magical displays.

The Model Railroad big event is this coming weekend at the Pacific Science Center at Seattle Center 200 Second Ave N, Seattle 98109. 206-443-2001. (under the five white arches near the Space Needle, at the corner of Denny and Broad.)

There will be several local Model Railroad clubs at the PSC that are members of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA).

Shoreline resident Dennis Terpstra
with grandkids Toren and Talia
You can even volunteer! Check out this info.

The show features several opportunities to operate trains: youngsters can drive loop tracks and older children and adults on railcar delivery layouts.

The Pacific Northwest Public Transportation Museum will have a large display of historical photographs and memorabilia.

Visit the Northwest Railway Museum’s information table to learn more about their activities for young people. The museum, located in Snoqualmie and North Bend, offers rides during much of the year and hosts Thomas the Tank Engine each summer.

When you go, look for Shoreline resident Dennis Terpstra. He has been running model trains for years and rarely misses a Northwest show.

The 45th Model Railroad Show is included with the price of general admission and is FREE for Pacific Science Center Members.




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