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WSDOT ANNOUNCES AMTRAK CASCADES SCHEDULE IMPROVEMENT

LATER DEPARTURE FOR SEATTLE EVENING TRAIN AND 10 MINUTE QUICKER SUMMER TRIPS BETWEEN SEATTLE AND PORTLAND

OLYMPIA – Amtrak Cascade’s Seattle evening departure to Portland is getting a welcome change starting July 11. Train 509 will depart at 6:05 p.m. – 35 minutes later than the current schedule. This permanent change better accommodates business travelers, and also gives visitors more time to enjoy Seattle.

In addition, Amtrak Cascades passengers will enjoy quicker trips between Seattle and Portland this summer. From July 11 through Sept 13, 2015, daily trains numbered 500, 501, 507, 508, 509 and 516 will arrive at their final destinations ten minutes sooner. What has been a three hour and 50 minute trip will now be three hours and 40 minutes. Two of the trains will experience slight changes in their departure times, with the 501 train leaving at 7:25 a.m. and the 507 leaving at 2:10 p.m.

More than a year ago, the Washington State Department of Transportation added extra time to some routes to accommodate ongoing rail improvement construction projects. But officials limited those interruptions this summer.

“I’m excited to announce shorter travel times for our travelers during this peak travel season,” said Ron Pate, WSDOT Rail Division Director.

Once all the improvements are completed in 2017, the Amtrak Cascades corridor will experience even better service. Two additional daily round trips will be added between Seattle and Portland, with travel times of three hours and 20 minutes, and enhanced on-time performance.

Amtrak Cascades serves 18 stations, from Vancouver, B.C. to Eugene, Ore, with eight stops between Seattle and Portland. The current schedule includes four daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; two daily round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.; and two daily round trips between Portland and Eugene, Ore. The Amtrak Cascades service is sponsored by WSDOT and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations, and passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early to obtain lowest fares. Visit Amtrak Cascades or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for reservations and information.

Thank you for traveling aboard Amtrak Cascades. We appreciate your patronage. For reservations, train status information or to plan a trip, use the free Amtrak mobile apps or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).