For the past three years, a coalition of public and private groups has been exploring an ultra-high-speed rail corridor from Vancouver, B.C., through Seattle to Portland, Ore. The next report is due in December, with former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire seeing this project as essential for future growth.
Gregoire, now the CEO of Challenge Seattle, believes this rail system can manage the population boom expected in the Cascadia region. Formed in 2015, Challenge Seattle includes 19 regional CEOs and focuses on economic ties within the megaregion, partnering with the Business Council of British Columbia.
Key Benefits of the High-Speed Rail Project:
- Reduces travel time between major cities.
- Supports economic growth and job creation.
- Eases congestion on highways and reduces emissions.
Current Traffic Situation
Currently, Washington State highway traffic is down 13% from last year. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun predicts it will take up to three years for traffic to return to 2019 levels. Public transit usage has also declined, posing challenges for future projects. However, Washington State Transportation Director Mark Hallenbeck believes post-vaccine travel will return to pre-pandemic levels.
With the state’s population expected to grow by 3-4 million by 2050, Gregoire emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to accommodate this increase. Unlike Texas, Washington can’t expand outwards due to geographical constraints and the Growth Management Act. Instead, building up and increasing urban density is the only viable option.
Advantages of an Ultra-High-Speed Rail:
- Allows people to live farther from work, reducing urban housing pressures.
- Promises 1.7-2.1 million annual trips by 2035.
- Can fund its own maintenance through increased ridership.
Possible Future Steps
Critics argue that short-distance flights might be more practical. The estimated cost for the rail line is $24-40 billion, but actual costs could be higher, as seen in California’s similar project. Despite this, Hallenbeck insists new towns along the rail line must encourage walking and biking, making transit use more attractive. Washington State Transportation Commission Chair Jerry Litt highlights the need for a significant shift in state land use laws. Traditionally, land use dictated transportation development, but with this project, transportation would lead, followed by urban development.
The future of high-speed rail in the Cascadia region promises to reshape transportation, support economic growth, and address population challenges. This project is a forward-thinking solution to the region’s evolving needs.