June 21, 2020

In these troubled times, All Aboard Washington and our coalition partners are working harder than ever to make essential travel easier and safer. We need your help to sustain our momentum. You can support AAWA's mission financially and by participating in one of our upcoming events.

Why Support All Aboard Washington?

Why should we care about passenger rail in the midst of a pandemic and a severe economic recession? Because it is the best way to rebuild an existing and sustainable transportation system that serves, and brings economic recovery to, communities of all sizes throughout the state. More...

The current health crisis is forcing our elected officials to make major budget cuts. We believe that national, regional and local passenger rail are needed investments, especially now. Economic recovery must be everyone’s first priority, focusing on utilizing existing assets more efficiently. AAWA has already laid the groundwork for this, through our work toward returning passenger rail to central and eastern Washington via Stampede Pass. AAWA continues to work toward maintaining and growing our passenger rail system. Please join or donate to AAWA today.

Upcoming Events

Here are four things you can do to act in support of passenger rail services nationally and locally.

National Network at Risk: Send Feedback to Your Elected Officials

AAWA and the Rail Passengers Association ask you to let your elected representatives know that you oppose Amtrak's proposed cuts in service. Use these links to contact your representatives:

• Washington State residents: https://www.votervoice.net/NARPRAIL/campaigns/75300/respond
• All others: https://www.votervoice.net/NARPRAIL/campaigns/74759/respond

Meeting on Returning Intercity Rail Service to Boise and Beyond on Monday

The Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates (AORTA) is hosting a Zoom meeting on returning Amtrak to eastern Oregon, Boise and beyond on Monday, June 22, at 10:30 am Pacific. Details on AORTA's website.

East-West Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Final Report to be Released Tuesday

TVW will be streaming the Joint Transportation Committee’s final report on AAWA’s landmark Feasibility of an East-West Passenger Rail System study. AAWA has eagerly awaited this meeting, which will take place at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 23. We are looking forward to learning the results of this highly anticipated report on Seattle-Spokane intercity passenger trains serving Auburn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Yakima, Toppenish, and the Tri-Cities along the way. Visit tvw.org and search for the Joint Transportation Committee, event ID 2020061036.

AAWA Discusses East-West Study At Central Washington Passenger Rail Summit on July 11

AAWA and The Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, will hold a Central Washington Passenger Rail Summit online on July 11. We have invited representatives of the Washington State DOT Rail Division, the Joint Legislative Transportation Committee (JTC), JTC's contractor STEER, and regional Councils of Governments to provide updates. Please make reservations on our website.

In these difficult times, we're doing all we can to continue building a well-connected Northwest. We appreciate your crucial support of our mission and vision.