WA group wants to resume passenger rail service
By Terry Murry on Friday, August 13th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The passenger rail advocacy group, All Aboard Washington, will meet Sunday to discuss expanding intercity passenger rail service across Washington state, which could conceivably connect to Walla Walla.
In 1981, passenger rail service through the Yakima Valley was discontinued, according to AAWA. Since that time, several studies have confirmed there is a significant need for and interest in trains that would offer local and regional connections between the Yakima and Kittitas Valleys, the Tri-Cities, the Spokane region, and the Puget Sound.
On Sunday, AAWA will share its vision for improved east-west passenger rail service that will help reconnect central, eastern, and western Washington. Discussions will focus on how expanded passenger rail service can bring significant economic, equity and environmental benefits to the communities it serves. AAWA wants to hear from citizens, community leaders, and elected officials about transportation needs.
AAWA believe now is the time to re-evaluate expanding the state-supported Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service, improving connections between local/regional transit services, and building and revitalizing infrastructure for pedestrians/cyclists.
Sunday’s discussion will start at 10 a.m. and be held at the Walla Walla Best Western Plus Suites Inn, 7 East Oak Street. Register at https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-walla-walla/
