Seattle ponders addition of more streetcar lines

More talk of more trolleys? This is getting good!

Seattle ponders addition of more streetcar lines

Sound Transit Looking Closer at Woodinville Sub

Who would have thought a year ago that we would be seeing talk Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) running the rails between Renton and Woodinville, providing passenger service? This is a welcome change, since pulling these "under-used" tracks in favor of a bike trail through a busy part of the county would be just plain stupid.

Eastside News | Sound Transit gives rail line a boost | Seattle Times Newspaper

Great Washington Snow Picture

WARail's "Man On the Street" Mike Bjork has been collecting photography credits lately. Most notably he had two pictures published in Railfan & Railroad magazine in the March 2008 issue. He's got quite an eye for the unusual, and this is now appearing in national publications.

Aside from magazines, Mike also got "Screener's Choice" and "Peoples' Choice" awards at RailPictures.net for this exciting snow scene. Once you view that photo, take some time to check out his other pictures there. It's quite a collection!

Light-rail link from Tacoma to Sea-Tac in jeopardy

Tightening budgets appear to be shelving the light-rail extension from Sea-Tac Airport to Tacoma:

Light-rail link to Sea-Tac in jeopardy | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Hopefully they can sort this out. I think it's needed and should be considered a benefit to the region.

Amtrak's Pioneer could Return to Seattle - Salt Lake

Could Amtrak service through southern Idaho return? That's the question some people have since Amtrak is seeing a growth in passenger numbers in the last year or two. The Pioneer was discontinued in 1997, and could return after a feasibility study is done and equipment is located. At this point Amtrak is maxed out on its equipment, essentially using every nut and bolt they own to serve the routes they have. To reinstate the Pioneer, it would require new trains.

Many are optimistic about this route between Seattle and Salt Lake City returning, including the head of Amtrak. But the Idaho governor wants to make sure the train will pay its way rather than being a money sapper. The environment for passenger rail service has changed in ten years, so the possibility for the Pioneer coming back - and making money - is a good one. If it does, it will be the first passenger route reactivated by Amtrak in the last 20 years!