Seattle-to-Spokane Intercity Rail Proposal Studied

The Washington State Joint Transportation Committee (WSJTC) and its consultants at the end of June presented findings to state legislators on the east-west intercity passenger rail study.

"The study evaluates several corridor and service level options as well as ridership, costs, targeted corridor improvements, and operational models," according to an article by Stephen Fesler. "Findings by consultants show that ridership between Seattle and Spokane could top 205,000 rides per year under the most robust scenario. That would include two daily roundtrips running through Stampede Pass, Yakima Valley, and the Tri-Cities area."

Fesler provides more details on the findings of the study, including key findings for each of the eight service options and broad public support for the idea reported from survey data. All Aboard Washington (AAWA) wrote a follow-up opinion piece for The Urbanist voicing support for the study and the proposed project. As for next steps, Fesler reports that the study puts the project in a good position for next steps, but any movement will require support from the State Legislature and the governor.