Bill > HB1837

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for improving intercity passenger rail services in Washington State, specifically focusing on the Amtrak Cascades service. The legislature recognizes intercity passenger rail as a critical component of the state's transportation system that can help meet climate, public health, equity, and mobility goals. The bill sets target goals to be achieved by 2035, including increasing service reliability to 88% on-time performance, expanding service frequencies to 14 round trips per day between Seattle and Portland and 5 round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, improving first and last mile connections at stations, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Washington State Department of Transportation is required to prioritize these goals in its project development work, including federal corridor identification programs, and must coordinate with host railroads and service partners. The department must submit annual reports to legislative transportation committees detailing progress and any constraints preventing goal achievement. Additionally, the joint transportation committee is mandated to conduct an independent review of the Amtrak Cascades 2024 preliminary service development plan by June 1, 2027, analyzing technical aspects, public engagement strategies, and communication effectiveness. The bill acknowledges that achieving some goals may require voluntary investments from Canadian government entities and Oregon state agencies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1837&Year=2025&Initiative=false