Amtrak Cascades ridership jumped from 94,000 trips in 1993 to a record setting 525,000 trips in 2000. In 1999 there were 198 days when one or more trains were sold out. The Amtrak Cascades have been rated the best Amtrak service in the nation for customer satisfaction for four out of the past five years. These included farm products, lumber and wood products and manufactured goods. Rail lines help reduce heavy truck traffic on our congested highways and provide a competitive shipping option for Washington farmers and businesses.
Branch lines are the rail lines that connect to the far busier main lines.
Public Transportation and Rail Division staff provide products and services to enhance mobility and accessibility statewide. The Public Transportation Office partners with transit systems, local governments, community based organizations and intercity carriers statewide. The Rail Office partners with Amtrak, railroads, Sound Transit, local communities, freight shippers and others to preserve and enhance freight and passenger rail. The Transportation Demand Management Office partners with counties, local communities, transit providers, businesses and others to encourage more efficient use of our transportation system and to identify alternatives to congestion - particularly during peak commute hours.