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Committee approves bill setting target goals for Amtrak Cascades service and annual reporting
Summary
A substitute to House Bill 18 37 passed out of committee after debate on balancing passenger rail targets with freight-rail constraints; the measure sets target goals for trip times, frequency and reliability and requires annual legislative reporting.
A House committee voted March 1 to report substitute House Bill 18 37, which sets target goals for Amtrak Cascades service between Portland and Vancouver, B.C., to the floor.
Sponsor Representative Reed said the bill reframes targets as target goals for minimum trip times, round trips per day and trip reliability and directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to prioritize those target goals in project development and when using federal passenger‑rail grants. "We have a huge opportunity for rail in our state and our constituents want us to seize it," Reed said.
The substitute clarifies that trip‑time goals should be achieved incrementally and requires WSDOT to engage host railroads and infrastructure owners on allowable operating speeds and any additional infrastructure needed. It adds goals for first‑ and last‑mile connections and a reduction of greenhouse‑gas emissions consistent with state law. The substitute requires annual legislative updates describing progress, obstacles and recommended modifications when targets are not achievable.
Representative Parkes, co‑chair of the rail caucus who said she has been involved in passenger‑rail work for years, supported the bill while acknowledging concerns about the need to cooperate with Class I freight railroads that own relevant lines. The roll call produced 19 ayes and 8 nays; the clerk reported the substitute was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation.
Why it matters: the measure creates formal target goals and reporting requirements aimed at improving Amtrak Cascades service; implementation will involve coordination with freight railroad owners and federal grant programs.
