SEATTLE – Ridership aboard Amtrak Cascades trains in 2006 was 629,996. This ridership total was 1.1 percent lower than the total for 2005.
The ridership decline was largely due to a record number of Amtrak Cascades train cancellations in January, February, November, and December, primarily because of weather-related railroad route closings.
For the first time since the state of Washington began investing in intercity passenger rail service in 1994, annual ridership failed to surpass the total of the preceding year. This occurred despite the addition of a new Amtrak Cascades daily round trip between Seattle and Portland in July 2006.
Since the new daily Amtrak Cascades service was added in July 2006, monthly ridership on Amtrak Cascades increased by an average of 2 percent when compared to the final six months of 2005. “Despite the service disruptions experienced in 2006, we anticipate Amtrak Cascades ridership to demonstrate strong growth in 2007,” stated Ken Uznanski, Manager, WSDOT Rail Office.
Amtrak Cascades continues to rank near the top of Amtrak’s 42-route national system for customer satisfaction. Continuing to get rave reviews are features such as beautiful scenery, onboard movies, regional foods, plug-ins for laptop computers, and space for passengers to get up and move around.
Regular one-way adult fares between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia start as low as $28, Portland and Seattle as low as $28, or Eugene and Portland as low as $21. Upgrade to Business Class for only a few dollars more each way and enjoy wider seats, more legroom, and priority boarding and deboarding. Passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early to obtain lowest fares. Reservations are required.
Visit www.AmtrakCascades.com, or call 800-USA-RAIL for reservations and information.
Amtrak Cascades service extends 466 miles from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia. The corridor is a partnership with the states of Washington and Oregon, and Amtrak.
