VANCOUVER- Service along the popular Amtrak Cascades Vancouver-Seattle route has been made permanent to provide business and tourism passengers a convenient, affordable and green way to travel.

The Canada Border Services Agency has waived the border clearance fees, which will allow the second Amtrak Cascades train between Washington and Vancouver to continue to operate beyond the slated end date of October.

Why It Matters:

The train began as a pilot project in 2009, in preparation of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Approximately, 22,300 Amtrak passengers arrived at the Vancouver Station between April and June of 2011, which is almost a 25 per cent increase, compared with the same time in 2010.
The two Amtrak Cascades trains have generated an estimated $20 million in economic benefits to British Columbia annually since they began operating in 1995.

Quick Facts:
 

• The Amtrak Cascades Washington State-subsidized service delivers business and tourism economic benefits to British Columbia.
• Amtrak Cascades operates three daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; one daily round trip between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., and one between Portland and Vancouver, B.C.; and two daily round trips between Eugene and Seattle, via Portland. 
• Amtrak Cascades is operated by Amtrak in partnership with the Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation.

Learn More at:

Details and booking information is available at www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/amtrak. (tourismvancouver.com)
For Amtrak Cascades fares and schedules, visit AmtrakCascades.com.

Media Contacts:

Contact: Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 508 5506