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Home My WebLink AboutTrans 2015-11-16 Item 2C - Discussion - Amtrak Cascades Corridor Stop Policy Advisory CommitteeCity of Tukwila Jim Haggerton, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Haggerton Transportation Committee FROM: Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager DATE: November 13, 2015 SUBJECT: Amtrak Cascades Corridor Stop Policy Advisory Committee ISSUE Staff is participating in an advisory committee convened by WSDOT and ODOT regarding how the agencies will respond to communities along the Cascades Route that wish to have a stop added in their city or town. BACKGROUND In 2013, the Washington State Legislature mandated that WSDOT investigate the feasibility of adding an additional stop on the Amtrak Cascades line in Auburn. Due to constraints placed on the Cascade line — including reducing the run time between Seattle and Portland — there was discussion at that time of removing a stop if another was to be added. Concerns were raised that Tukwila would lose its Amtrak stop. Ultimately, the 2013 study did not find Auburn to be a feasible location for an additional stop. However, the process clearly identified the need for the agencies to develop a permanent policy for adding or deleting stops along the Amtrak Cascades line. City of Tukwila staff, along with representatives of the following agencies, is participating in this Advisory Committee: • City of Auburn • BNSF • City of Blaine • Amtrak • City of Albany (OR) • Sound Transit • City of Woodburn (OR) • Tri -Met (Oregon) • WSDOT • ODOT • Washington Legislators and/or representatives • Oregon legislators and /or representatives • Metro Council of Governments (Oregon) There is currently a moratorium in place until 2017 regarding any additional stops. In 2017, the Amtrak Cascades Route will add two additional round trips per day between Seattle and Portland. There is no expectation that there is any current threat to the Tukwila station, which runs about in the middle of the pack for annual riders among the 18 stations between Vancouver, B.C. and Eugene, Oregon. The Advisory Committee met for the first time on October 30, 2015. It is anticipated there will be two additional meeting over the next five months, with refinements to the draft policy occurring between meetings over email and phone. Tukwila's representative on the Advisory Committee is being supported by additional staff in DCD and Public Works. RECOMMENDATION Information only. Attachments: Amtrak Corridor Policy for Stations Stops Brief C1 Users \susanlAppDatalLocal3Microsoft\Windows \Temporary Internet Files \Content.Outlook1360AGYOJ1Info Memo WSDOT Amtrak Stations 11- 13- 15.doc 9 Amtrak CASCADES Corridor Policy for Station Stops Amtrak Cascades overview Amtrak Cascades provides intercity passenger service on the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia, via Seattle and Portland. Sponsored by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Amtrak Cascades service is an essential element of the two states' multi -modal transportation system. The service provides transportation and connectivity options to communities along the 1 -5 corridor region. Service Improvements WSDOT is currently investing nearly $800 million in federal high -speed rail funds to deliver critical rail infrastructure improvements that will expand travel choices and foster economic growth across our two states. By the end of the funded program (Fall 2017), WSDOT will be able to achieve the following service outcomes: • Add two additional daily round trips between Seattle and Portland, for a total of six • Improve on -time performance to 88 percent • Reduce travel time between Seattle and Portland by 10 minutes These service outcomes are a requirement of the funded program and committed through agreement between WSDOT, BNSF, Amtrak, and Sound Transit. All future projects, improvements, and additions /changes to stops must align with these commitments. N Vancouver, B.C. B•C. Bellingham Mount Vernon Stanwood Everett Edmonds Seattle Tukwila Tacoma Olympia /Lacey Centralia WA Kelso /Longview Vancouver, WA Portland Oregon City Salem Albany Eugene OR fl 2010 by Tete Atlas B.V. All rights reserved Station locations on the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor 10 Station Stop Policy WSDOT developed an interim policy on station stops in 2013. This policy was established to guide consideration of new stops on Amtrak Cascades until a formal process was adopted. 2013 Interim Policy • Washington and Oregon are working to manage their respective services together as a unified corridor. Both the WSDOT and ODOT operating budgets are very constrained: the WSDOT operating budget for Amtrak Cascades was cut by $1 million in 2013 -2015. The agencies will work together to reduce station costs and implement other cost saving alternatives. • WSDOT and ODOT will evaluate proposals to add station stops based on benefits and disadvantages for the entire service. Evaluation criteria include: Consistent with State Rail Plan; Operational Feasibility; Customer Demand; Station Suitability; Interconnectivity Benefits; and Fiscal Viability. • The addition of a station stop should not degrade service or add cost for WSDOT, ODOT, Sound Transit, BNSF, UP, Amtrak or other partners in intercity passenger rail service. • Rail planning budgets at WSDOT and ODOT are not sufficient to complete new stop studies without additional funds. Proponents should provide funding for new stop evaluation studies. • Major service changes will not be implemented until after 2017 due to construction and service outcome agreement commitments. As recommended by each States' Rail Plan, and through a community engagement process, a final corridor -wide policy on station stops will be developed and formally adopted. What is the work? • Engage WSDOT, ODOT and advisory committee • Address questions not previously posed • Finalize corridor policy on station stops • Develop guidance for station stop proposals Who's participating? We are convening an advisory committee that represents the broad range of perspectives along the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor. We are also engaging other stakeholders /interested parties who will receive project updates and copies of meeting materials. Advisory Committee Invitees • WA: City of Blaine, WCOG, WA Legislature, City of Auburn, City of Tukwila, Sound Transit, Intercity Transit, Amtrak, BNSF • OR: Metro, TriMet, City of Albany, City of Woodburn, OR Trans. Commission (OTC), OR Legislature Advisory Committee Role /Expectations • Represents constituents • Provides input and feedback from a stakeholder's perspective • Be a conduit for external project communications Other Stakeholders /Interested Parties Additional parties will be informed throughout the process. • WA: All Aboard WA, Cascadia Center, Cascades station owners, cities with Sounder only stations, MPOs /RTPOs within the Corridor, Leg. Transportation Committee Chairs • OR: AORTA, PDC, cities and MPOs on the Corridor, Assoc. of Oregon Counties, League of Oregon Cities When and Where? Committee meetings will be held between Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 at a centrally located venue: • WSDOT Southwest Region HQ: Vancouver, WA • Tentative Meeting Dates: October 2015, January 2016, and April 2016 Contacts WSDOT Jason Beloso, Rail Planning Manager jason.beloso @wsdot.wa.gov ODOT Jennifer Sellers, NW Rail Corridor Project Manager Jennifer .sellers @odot.state.or.us 11