An essential dialogue initiated by Real Change this spring shed light on the negligence exhibited by our state legislators and governor concerning the imperative need for East-West passenger trains connecting Seattle, Auburn, Ellensburg, Yakima, and Spokane (‘It’s Just Negligence…,’ March 15, 2023). By modernizing our existing rail routes and envisioning an Amtrak for the 21st century, we can effectively address the urgent warnings issued by climate scientists and achieve significant emissions reduction by 2030.
Unbeknownst to many, the climate solution we seek may be right in front of us, hiding in plain sight: trains on our current rail network. These trains would not only contribute to emissions reduction but also alleviate traffic congestion along East-West and North-South corridors.
On June 20, the Joint Transportation Committee in Olympia deliberated over a “draft final report” evaluating what Governor Jay Inslee and others refer to as the “ultra” high-speed rail project. This ambitious endeavor aims to establish a super-fast train connecting Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C., with projected speeds exceeding 220 mph. Surpassing the velocity of many European high-speed trains and even outpacing the renowned “Acela” Amtrak train on the East Coast and the privately owned “Brightline” train in Florida, the term “ultra” has not been officially recognized by the Federal Railroad Administration. According to their definition, high-speed rail pertains to trains traveling at speeds of 90 mph or higher. However, the governor and supporters in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia employ the term “ultra,” likely as a means to garner public support for the idea.