Abstract: This article discusses an expansion of Amtrak rail services between Seattle and Portland, USA, that could occur as early as Spring 1994. A high-speed rail project could emerge in the region including the US Pacific Northwest and south western British Columbia, Canada, because airports and highways there are congested, with little room for expansion. In response to these needs, a 748km Pacific Northwest high-speed rail corridor has been proposed, from Eugene, Oregon, through Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia. The project is expected to cost $US 1.3 billion, and attract 1.3 million passengers to diesel-powered trains travelling at up to 200kph on upgraded track. Although it is the only proposed international and multi-state high-speed rail route in North America, all its initial funding will come from the USA. Nine daily round trips are envisaged between Seattle and Portland, eight between Portland and Eugene, and four between Seattle and Vancouver. Despite the public's enthusiasm for high-speed rail, the governments concerned have decided to develop the railway step by step, because they fear funding difficulties. Possibilities for higher-speed lines in the region have been studied, including proposals for 250kph and 300kph high-speed rail lines and a 460kph maglev line. It is estimated that there would be heavy demand for the 300kph services.
Publication Year: 1993
Publication Date: 1993-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
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