Chance for Snohomish Dinner Train is Looking Better

With the Spirit Of Washington Dinner Train currently stored in Battle Ground WA, the Seattle Times today reported that it has a better than average chance of once again gracing the rails of East King County and Snohomish County. The Dinner Train's owner thinks this is a great option.

"We have no intention of running the dinner train on someone else's railroad," says Eric Temple from the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train, citing issues with the relationship they had with Tacoma Rail in running the train out to Lake Kapowsin from the Tacoma Dome. Mr. Temple is also "encouraged" about the latest news that the Port Of Seattle is planning to buy the entire Woodinville Subdivision from BNSF. Port Of Seattle ownership of the line would allow the Temple family's Columbia Basin Railroad bid on operating the northern part of the line from Snohomish to Woodinville, which would retain tracks in the deal. The southern part, from Woodinville to Renton, would lose its tracks in lieu of a rail trail with the potential for future expansion. As it turns out, Mr. Temple had been negotiating to take over operations of the northern portion anyway, prior to moving the Dinner Train to Tacoma, but those negotiations didn't pan out at the time. He is not shy about describing experience he had with Tacoma Rail and after a series of factors he chose to end the run.

I see a lot of benefits in another Dinner Train running, this time between Snohomish and Woodinville. I'm sure Columbia Winery would be thrilled to have the visitors back. Plus, there is the reverse benefit of Snohomish being a "Antique Town" for those coming up from Woodinville. And what about Woodinville Village? This new development is literally within walking or shuttle distance of the tracks. Seems to me there could be an incredible tie-in here.

This story is just too good to put in bed!