Agreement expected to lead to improved Amtrak Cascades service

February 14, 2001 The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and BNSF signed an agreement that ultimately will result in more frequent and more reliable Amtrak Cascades service between Seattle and Portland.

The "Memorandum of
Agreement" between WSDOT and BNSF clears the way for the state to begin initial
work this fall using some of the $590 million in federal grants awarded to
Washington in January. This money is part of the 2009 American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) high-speed rail grants, administered by the Federal
Railroad Administration.

The agreement sets the
framework for the two organizations to deliver rail-improvement projects that
achieve reliability and on-time performance goals for both passenger and
freight rail service. This is important on rail lines shared by these two types
of rail services.

With these ARRA funds, the
goal is to add two additional Amtrak Cascades daily round trips between Seattle
and Portland, for a total of six. The improvements are also intended to reduce
travel times, as well as improve average on-time performance from the line’s
current 62 percent to more than 80 percent. The work will increase
rail-corridor capacity and relieve main-line rail congestion by building bypass
tracks and making multiple upgrades to existing track.

"I commend the state
of Washington and the BNSF for finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement that will
pave the way for improved freight and passenger rail service along the vitally
important Cascade Corridor between Seattle and Portland," said Ray LaHood, U.S.
secretary of transportation. "This balanced agreement recognizes BNSF’s
reputation for providing on-time passenger service, while ensuring strong
performance outcomes for both freight and passenger operations. This major step
forward could not have occurred without a strong commitment from both parties,
and their partnership will serve as a model for other states and railroads as
we work to achieve President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail in America."

Washington Gov. Chris
Gregoire said the rail projects in the Seattle-to-Portland corridor would have
real benefits for people and businesses traveling between the two cities. "These
critical infrastructure investments will improve travel choices, preserve the
ability to move freight and foster economic growth across our state."

BNSF has been working with
the state of Washington for two decades in a public-private partnership that
has expanded passenger services while maintaining BNSF’s ability to provide
world-class freight rail service in the region.

"Today is an important step
in continuing our partnership," said Matthew Rose, president and chief operating
officer for BNSF. "Although much hard work remains, we are pleased to continue
our ongoing efforts with Washington State and the U.S. Department of Transportation
to improve passenger rail service in the Pacific Northwest."

Washington Transportation
Secretary Paula Hammond said the agreement, the first between a state and a
major freight railroad, builds on a strong and productive relationship between
WSDOT and BNSF. "Our collaborative history will help ensure we move quickly to
start building these important projects."

"This agreement is a
big step toward putting construction crews, engineers and others to work
improving our state’s railways," said Sen. Patty Murray. "Investing in our
transportation infrastructure will help create family wage jobs and will
provide the foundation necessary to ensure strong, long-term economic growth
throughout the region."