Joint Transportation Committee

​Feasibility of an East-West Intercity Passenger Rail System for Washington State

ESHB 1160, Sec, 204(3) directs the Joint Transportation Committee to study the feasibility of an east-west intercity passenger rail system for Washington State. The study will look specifically at the Stampede Pass corridor and service to Auburn, Cle-Elum, Yakima, Ellensburg, Tri-Cities, Toppenish and Spokane. The study must include the following elements:

  • Projections of potential ridership
  • Review of relevant planning studies
  • Assessment of current infrastructure conditions, including station stop locations
  • Identification of equipment needs
  • Identification of operator options

An advisory group will help guide the study.  Membership will include representatives from the JTC, House and Senate Transportation Committee staff, WSDOT, BNSF Rail, All Aboard Washington and others as deemed appropriate.
Budget:  $250,000
JTC Staff:   Dave Catterson, David Ward
STC & HTC Staff:  Daniel Masterson; Jennifer Harris
Report due date:  June 30, 2020   ​


presented at JTC Meeting 12-17-19
Feasibility of East-West Passenger Rail Study Update        


presented at JTC Meeting 6-23-20   
Feasibility of East-West Passenger Rail System for Washington State Draft Final Report    
East-West Passenger Rail Study Update    


Feasibility of East-West Passenger Rail System for Washington State - Final Report       






​​​​Study Overview