August 7, 2021

All Aboard for AAWA's 2021 Train Trek!

A group of advocates is embarking on a trip across Washington state to share its vision of how improved passenger rail can bring economic, environmental and equity benefits to local communities. Members of the group All Aboard Washington (AAWA) will hold a series of fourteen meetings as part of the 2021 Train Trek in communities of all sizes, including Edmonds, Everett, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Yakima, Toppenish, the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, Clarkston-Lewiston, Spokane, Cheney, Ritzville, Ellensburg, and Cle Elum between August 12 and 21.

Sharing Our Vision, Getting Your Ideas

Transportation and infrastructure issues are of greater significance than ever before. Several studies have confirmed that there is a need for, and tremendous public interest in, improved and more frequent Amtrak Cascades service, as well as daytime east-west service. As your representative for better transportation for over 40 years, AAWA wants your voice to be heard in Olympia!

During the 2021 Train Trek, AAWA will share its vision for improved train service, including more frequencies on current Cascades service, new connections between Western, Central and Eastern Washington, and connections to local transportation. 

We will discuss how expanded passenger rail service can bring significant economic, equity, and environmental benefits to the communities it serves. But most of all, we want to hear from citizens, community leaders, and elected officials about the transportation needs YOU care about.

Now is the time for Washington to re-evaluate its transportation priorities. AAWA believes we can strengthen local economies, improve equity, and reduce the environmental impacts of transportation by:

• Expanding the state-supported Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service
• Improving connections between local and regional transit services
• Building and revitalizing infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists

The ongoing budgetary, mobility, and climate crises all demand commitment to proactive transportation solutions. It’s critical for us to foster stable economic recovery from the pandemic without diminishing Washington’s efforts to fight global climate change.

“With targets for reductions of vehicle trips, greenhouse gas emissions, and traffic fatalities all coming due over the next decade, immediate actions should be taken to sustain our state’s economic vitality, environmental commitments, and equitable access for all citizens,” said Patrick Carnahan, AAWA’s co-executive director.

Make it Happen: Register and Donate Today!

Community engagement is critical to AAWA’s mission. We will host our 2021 Train Trek events both in-person and electronically to enable open access for all.

In previous years, our meetings in locations such as Blaine and Pasco have been very successful, as have similar meetings held by our sister organization AORTA in Oregon. Local meetings such as these help to generate publicity, bring in additional members and further our cause. 

AAWA estimates that the cost of travel and meeting room rental will total around $7,000. We need your help to make sure Olympia hears your voice!

Schedule

These events will be held in-person and available to watch on Zoom. Details are available at https://www.aawa.us/impact/2021-train-trek/

Edmonds - Thursday, August 12, 10:00 AM

Edmonds Waterfront Center - 220 Railroad Ave.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-edmonds/

Everett - Thursday, August 12, 1:00 PM

Everett Labor Temple - 2810 Lombard Ave.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-everett-snohomish-county/

Leavenworth - Friday, August 13, 10:00 AM

Chelan County Fire District #3 Community Room - 228 Chumstick Hwy.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-leavenworth/

Wenatchee - Friday, August 13, 2:00 PM

Pybus Public Market - 3 N Worthen St.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-wenatchee/

Yakima - Saturday, August 14, 9:30 AM

Yakima Hilton Garden Inn - 401 E Yakima Ave.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-yakima/

Toppenish - Saturday, August 14, 1:30 PM

Northern Pacific Railway Museum - 10 Asotin Ave.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-toppenish/

Tri-Cities - Saturday, August 14, 7:00 PM

Hampton Inn Richland/Tri-Cities - 486 Bradley Blvd, Richland, WA
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-tri-cities/

Walla Walla - Sunday, August 15, 10:00 AM

Walla Walla Best Western Plus Suites Inn - 7 E Oak St.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-walla-walla/

Clarkston-Lewiston - Sunday, August 15, 5:00 PM

Lewiston Community Center - 1424 Main St., Lewiston, ID
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-clarkston-lewiston/

Big Sky, MT - Wednesday, August 18, 2:45 PM Mountain / 1:45 PM Pacific Time

Pacific Northwest Rail Forum - Pacific Northwest Economic Region Summit, Big Sky Resort
Register at: http://www.pnwer.org/2021-summit.html

Spokane - Thursday, August 19, 5:00 PM

Spokane Airport Event Center - 9211 W McFarlane Rd.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-spokane-area/

Cheney - Friday, August 20, 10:00 AM

Wren Pierson Community Center - 615 4th St.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-cheney/

Ritzville - Friday, August 20, 1:30 PM

Ritzville City Hall - 216 E Main Ave.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-ritzville/

Ellensburg - Saturday, August 21, 10:00 AM

Location TBA
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-ellensburg/

South Cle Elum - Saturday, August 21, 1:30 PM: AAWA Annual Picnic

South Cle Elum Firemen’s Park - 835-871 Madison Ave.
Register at: https://www.aawa.us/events/2021-annual-picnic/

We appreciate your continued support of our mission to improve transportation across Washington, and we look forward to seeing you on the rails at one of our events!