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closeThe Bellingham Herald's editorial board has supported Amtrak trains to and from our community for many, many years - always believing trains constitute a great alternative to traffic-heavy drives to Vancouver, B.C., and Seattle.
Now we are all seeing why supporting such an alternative has been worth the costs. Recently released statistics show a 9 percent increase in ridership on the Cascades route trains, which run between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C.
We believe Amtrak ridership to and from our community will continue to rise over the long-term.
Average gas prices just recently fell below $4 a gallon. While we all hope to see those prices continue to decline, it seems logical to believe that prices will increase again and that the days of $2 a gallon gas are gone for good.
And traffic plays a part too. Long-time Bellingham residents can tell you that 20 years ago, the heavy traffic and traffic jams of the Seattle metro area started somewhere around Lynnwood. Now, heavy traffic starts around Smokey Point, 25 miles farther north, and full-stop traffic jams happen in the Everett-area regularly.
Not everything is perfect about Amtrak service to our community. There are too few trains, with only one train a day in either direction making a stop in Bellingham. Officials have, for too long, delayed improvements to tracks north of the border that they say must be completed before more trains can run on the route efficiently.
The service limits make it significantly more difficult for people to choose the train as a true alternative to daily travel to our two big-city neighbors. Today the trains are mostly filled with people on vacation who want to see the beautiful sights available on the trip along Puget Sound and Georgia Strait waters.
Some day we hope to see more trains on the route as a true alternative for business and day-trips.
Until then, though, we are delighted to see more people on the trains. More Amtrak riders on the run through Bellingham means fewer cars on the road, less gasoline used and less pollution. It's that equation that makes train service a long-term positive for our community.
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