Marias Pass, MT, photo by C. Hamilton
Marias Pass, MT, photo by C. Hamilton
All Aboard Northwest News Press Coverage

Press Coverage

We generate publicity throughout the region for our cause and our partners.

March 1, 2025
Cowboy State Daily: New Study Adds Momentum To Return Of Passenger Rail To Wyoming, Montana

February 1, 2025
The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition's recent meeting in Eau Claire included Dan Bilka's presentation "Regional action, local impacts"

January 31, 2025
Dakota News Now: AANW's Dan Bilka on returning passenger rail to South Dakota

October 21, 2024
Transport Action British Columbia: All-Aboard Washington Northwest Rail Summit
The meeting was informative and had an impressive agenda and guest list. Some notes from the conference.

October 11, 2024
Rail Passengers Association: Dispatch from the Third Annual Greater Northwest Rail Summit
"Transportation officials and rail advocates from across the western U.S. gathered in Spokane, WA this week for the third annual Greater Northwest Rail Summit, where participants discussed work being done to upgrade the Amtrak Cascades corridor, restore train service to the Pioneer route and the Big Sky North Coast route, and how to build a more resilient and efficient freight network.
"The event was co-hosted by All Aboard Northwest, the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s Regional Infrastructure Accelerator, All Aboard Washington, Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates—and the Northwest Region of your very own Rail Passengers Association. The event was an important gathering for critical transportation stakeholders from across the region, including elected officials and freight railroad representatives. One clear takeaway from the week’s discussions is that elected representatives and local officials are looking to better understand the economic impact of these kinds of transportation investments; as passenger advocates, we’d do well to arm ourselves with the kinds of arguments that resonate with key decision makers."

October 3, 2024
Spokane Spokesman-Review: Rail investment powers economic growth and community connectivity
"On Oct. 8 and 9, the Greater Northwest Rail Summit will convene at the Spokane Public Library to explore ways to revisit the critical importance of railroads to our economy and environment.…Come join us at the library on Oct. 8 and 9. Remote access is also available. Find more information at www.nwsummit.org."

October 3, 2024
Idaho Statesman: Rail is growing more important to Idaho’s future. Discussions will be happening soon | Opinion
“On Oct. 8-9, representatives from federal and state agencies, elected officials, Tribal nations, railroads, ports, shippers, agriculture, tourism and passenger rail advocacy groups will convene in Spokane. The conference is hosted by the Build NW Council of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) and All Aboard Northwest.”

September 24, 2024
PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator: Third Annual Greater Northwest Rail Summit to be Held in Spokane, Wash. Oct 8 - 9

August 1, 2024
Prairie Public Radio: Will Amtrak restore the 'North Coast Hiawatha' route?
“The president of an organization pushing to restore Amtrak service in southern North Dakota is optimistic that service will be restored.
Dan Bilka is with “All Aboard Northwest.” He said the Federal Railroad Administration has finished its Long Distance Service Study – and he said more than 47,000 comments were received, with 99 percent supporting passenger rail.”

July 1, 2024
Dakota News Now: Costs, benefits, and priority the latest update in Amtrak expansion to South Dakota
'For Dan Bilka, president of the advocacy group All Aboard Northwest, the comments show that nationwide, people are wanting to have passenger rail as a travel option more than ever. In South Dakota, that means bringing back a mode of transit that hasn’t been available in over 50 years.
“That just goes to show how much latent interest from the general public to not only to talk about passenger rail, but to actually see stuff move forward,” Bilka said.'

June 27, 2024
WYOPASS: Third Annual Greater Northwest Rail Summit

June 21, 2024
South Dakota Standard: Make your voice heard and demand Congress brings long-denied passenger rail service through South Dakota

June 3, 2024
Capital Journal: Railroad advocacy drums up support for local rail
‘“People live here too.” That is the motto of All Aboard Northwest, a railroad advocacy group that is spreading the word that passenger rail service could be made a reality for the region.
Dan Bilka, a native of Lake County, is the man behind All Aboard Northwest. Last week Bilka spoke to Fort Pierre city leaders about this possibility. ‘

May 16, 2024
Railway Age: South Dakota: No Longer Abandoned in the Cold?

April 19, 2024
Dakota News Now: Transportation Secretary throws cold water on South Dakota Amtrak expansion

'Dan Bilka, President of the advocacy group All Aboard Northwest and one of the main driving forces behind bringing back passenger rail service to South Dakota for the first time since 1969.…said Friday that the funds for the projects are already planned and that if the State of South Dakota, as well as counties, cities and organizations, don’t voice their support, those funds would be lost. He said if Amtrak were going to come to the state, they expect the federal government to take a lion’s share of the cost.
“We’ll see what the final recommendation is from the Long Distance project team about what to pay for. Our personal take is that it should not be put onto the states or communities. Maybe they can ask for a local match, but it should not be burdensome, especially since we have not had passenger rail service here in South Dakota since before Amtrak service,” Bilka said.'

April 17, 2024
South Dakota Searchlight: State transportation head doubts passenger rail service is a real possibility for South Dakota
'Rail advocate Dan Bilka [said that] the current study focuses on long-distance routes. The 2021 study focused on state-supported routes – shorter routes with a higher level of ongoing state-level funding.“It’s comparing apples to oranges,” said Bilka, head of a nonprofit organization called All Aboard Northwest.…The current study is meant to identify routes that would best serve both rural and urban transportation needs, enhance existing long-distance routes and “reflect public engagement” on passenger rail. “That’s why we might be actually a higher priority than some of these other ones that might overlap with state supported services,” Bilka said of the South Dakota proposals.'

April 17, 2024
KELO-TV: DOT says study will score SD passenger rail routes low
"The board also heard from Dan Bilka of Madison, who’s with the group All Aboard Northwest that is promoting the idea of bringing Amtrak service to South Dakota.…Bilka took a rosier tone than Jundt and Beck. “Those are the four primary considerations that Congress has given to the FRA to look and evaluate these services,” Bilka said. “So that’s why we actually might be a higher priority than some of these other ones that might overlap with state supported services.”

April 17, 2024
KCCR Radio: State Railroad Board Gets Update On Amtrak Daily Long Distance Service Study
"The South Dakota State Railroad Board was updated on the Amtrak Daily Long Distance Service Study. The study is look at expanding Amtrak passenger rail service across the county including into South Dakota.…Dan Bilka with All Aboard Northwest, a group in support of Amtrak expanding to South Dakota says the current study is different than an early study."

April 4, 2024
BYU Idaho Radio: All Aboard Northwest advocates new passenger railroad in Eastern Idaho

April 3, 2024
South Dakota Standard: Passenger rail service would benefit South Dakota in many ways — will we see it return here at some point?
“Dan Bilka of Madison is a spokesman for the All Aboard Northwest …is concerned that “we’re trying to fight for table scraps out here” in South Dakota and Wyoming, while the northeast corridor is receiving generous Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to enhance its rail service. In addition to Rapid City, communities in Wyoming including Casper and Laramie are creating pressure for the return of Amtrak service.”

March 21, 2024
KELO-TV: What’s next for possible passenger rail return in South Dakota?

"SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – You can’t restrain Dan Bilka’s hope for the return of passenger rail in South Dakota.
The Madison native and South Dakota State graduate has more than 10 years of experience in passenger rail advocacy, including his roles with the Rail Passengers Association and All Aboard Northwest. Bilka’s role in raising public awareness about the Federal Railroad Administration’s latest Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study resulted in South Dakota making the latest proposed maps after being previously left out in 2021.
Despite the last passenger trains stopping service in South Dakota more than 50 years ago, Bilka has high hopes for passenger trains to make a grand return in future decades."

March 18, 2024
Local News 8: Proposed maps show passenger train possibilities for east Idaho
"There are a number of places where there used to be train service. Some people might remember, for example, that Amtrak used to run services in southern Wyoming," explained Charles Hamilton, Co-Director of All Aboard Pacific Northwest. "Those trains have not run now in several years. The other one that's of interest in our part of the world is the train that used to go from Denver to Salt Lake City to Pocatello, Boise, and to Portland." https://localnews8.com/news/2024/03/18/1345364/ #GreaterNW #Idaho #Wyoming

Matrch 16, 2024
Scottsbluff (NE) Star Herald: FRA study proposes Amtrak line through the Panhandle
'Dan Bilka, co-founder and president of All Aboard Northwest, an advocacy group for passenger rail service, has identified a significant gap in Amtrak’s long-distance service in the Midwest.
There is currently only one long-distance line in Nebraska and none in Wyoming, North and South Dakota. The only line in Nebraska travels through the Omaha, Council Bluffs area connecting to Denver and heading further west.
“Congress has directed the FRA to look at our four criteria about making and serving large and small communities as part of a regional rail network to advance the economic and social well being of rural areas,” Bilka said.'

March 14, 2024
Wyoming News Now: Wyoming hopefully on track, to be apart of the new era for America’s Passenger Rail Network

‘“Dan Bilka, President of All Aboard Northwest…believes Wyoming should be a top priority to get back on the map.

Wyomingites are Americans too, and all Americans deserve the same freedom of mobility, economic opportunity, and quality of life that passenger rail services brings.”’

March 14, 2024
Yakima Herald-Tribune: Federal study includes passenger rail service in Yakima, but those trains are far away

"Gary Wirt, a Yakima resident and board member of All Aboard Washington, said that Yakima’s inclusion in the latest Federal Railroad Administration concepts was encouraging, but future passenger service would ultimately depend on federal funding.

“It is possible that there may be some non-federal funding sources identified; however, the large majority of funds would need to be appropriated by Congress,” Wirt said in an email. The railroad administration is still discussing potential federal and non-federal funding sources, he said.

Wirt added that the study opened additional possibilities for rail service. An alternate route for Seattle-to-Denver rail service included passage through Yakima, though that was not the route the administration selected.

Wirt added that federal funding for rail service through Yakima to Seattle would result in improvements to rail infrastructure over Stampede Pass, near Interstate 90, which could allow more convenient local trains in addition to long-distance rail service."

March 6, 2024
KOTA-TV: Rapid City shows support for current proposed route map
'“It will vastly elevate the cause and really the cause to not only look at it but look at it thoroughly and make a case for us to not only be on the map but also be a key priority nationally,” explained All Aboard Northwest president Daniel Bilka.'

March 1, 2024
Wyoming Public Radio: The potential of a Laramie and Cheyenne passenger line gains traction as nationwide commuter rail study continues
‘All Aboard NW…said, “Just as our national airspace system receives millions of dollars annually in federal support, it is reasonable to expect our federal government to provide funding for an improved national passenger rail system for various economic, social, and environmental reasons.”’

February 27, 2024
KFGO: Group continues to promote restoration of Amtrak route in southern North Dakota
“Dan Bilka is the co-founder of the group “All Aboard Northwest” – and director of the Rail Passengers Association. He said there have already been workshops – sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration – to look at expanding passenger rail routes. And he said the southern route should not have been discontinued in the first place. At the time, the stated reason was low passenger numbers.”

February 23, 2024
KELO-TV: What could Amtrak look like in South Dakota?
“South Dakota does have participants or participation in the Greater Northwest Region Passenger Rail Coalition which is associated with All Aboard Northwest. Dan Bilka, co-founder and president of All Aboard Northwest, is a graduate of South Dakota State University, according to the All Aboard Northwest website.”

February 23, 2024
K2 Radio: Federal Railroad Administration Considers Rail Routes that Would Restore Service to Cheyenne
"The FRA is collecting feedback on the routes and is expected to produce a final report that will be delivered to Congress, said Dan Bilka, executive director of All Aboard Northwest. From there, the routes would go through service development planning prior to implementation."

February 22, 2024
Dakota News Now: Advocates: Proposed Amtrak service a big first step for South Dakota
“Bilka, president of All Aboard Northwest, has spent many days, weeks and years trying to move the conversation along about returning those services to the Mount Rushmore State…Since that update late last week, Bilka said the genuine interest from people online and in person has been amazing to see — that people are taking this conversation seriously and recognizing that this isn’t just a hypothetical anymore.”

February 21, 2024
Wyoming Herald: Expanding Rail Service: Wyoming Eyes Three New Passenger Routes
“In an ambitious move toward enhancing the national rail network, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has unveiled a proposal for expanding passenger rail services, placing Wyoming prominently on the map with three new proposed routes. This development, announced by the advocacy group All Aboard Northwest, seeks to leverage the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act's provisions for bolstering rural rail services.”

February 21, 2024
KELO-TV: Railroad experts weight in on South Dakotas inclusion on updated passenger rail map
“We talk about the three E’s. We talk about the benefits to the economy, to the environment, and to equity. Meaning the places that just haven’t been served.” Hamilton said.

February 20, 2024
The Urbanist: Amtrak’s Long-Distance Expansion Plan Includes Two New Pacific Northwest Routes
“All Aboard Washington, a statewide rail advocacy organization, pushed for and successfully won support for a study to evaluate restoration of intercity passenger rail using Stampede Pass to reach many communities in Eastern Washington, such as Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Toppenish. That corridor overlaps with the preferred North Coast Hiawatha routing, so if the North Coast Hiawatha is restored it could partially realize goals of the study.”

February 19, 2024
NewsCenter1: South Dakota hasn’t had passenger rail service since the 1960s. Is it time to ride the rails again, here in West 605?

February 19, 2024
KELO-TV: South Dakota makes updated proposed passenger rail map
“Dan Bilka, co-founder and president of All Aboard Northwest, said…that public comments submitted by South Dakotans and awareness efforts by All Aboard Northwest brought attention to the previously overlooked South Dakota."

January 8, 2024
Cowboy State Daily: Plan Would Add Passenger Rail Service On Freight Lines Through Wyoming, West

'“One of the things that it says in the act is that rural projects should be given priority,” All Aboard NW Vice President Charles Hamilton told Cowboy State Daily.

All Aboard NW is an advocacy group promoting the needs of rail passengers in the Greater Northwest region of the United States. Formed in 2022, their mission is to ensure that Wyoming and other states in the region have an equal voice in proposed uses for the bipartisan infrastructure bill’s funding for rural rail services.

Dan Bilka, All Aboard’s co-founder and president, said the new approach has generated interest all across the board, including in the Cowboy State.'

October 27, 2023
KOTA TV: Amtrak could be rolling its way through the Black Hills
'The Federal Railroad Administration is looking into bringing Amtrak to South Dakota.…The federal study is due to Congress next spring and it will be up to Congress to decide if they want to implement service. “They’re only looking at…existing rail infrastructures, such as RCPE line or the Badlands route…,” said Dan Bilka, president, All Aboard Northwest.'

October 18, 2023
YouTube: Train Treks with Dan Bilka

July 27, 2023
Baker City Herald: Train Trek meeting highlights the need for potential new passenger rail services

July 26, 2023
Hells Canyon Journal: Panhandle Well-Represented at Passenger Rail Presentation

A number of Halfway residents attended a presentation in Baker City this past weekend to promote the return of passenger rail service to eastern Oregon and Idaho.

The 2023 Train Trek tour sponsored by All Aboard Northwest (AANW) and the Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates (AORTA) also featured stops in Hood River, Ontario and Weiser, Idaho.

“I learned things that I didn’t know and am excited to share with folks who may be skeptical about the possibilities of us ever getting passenger rail back in Baker City,” added Spring Bartlett, also with P4PR. “For example, the Pioneer Line is highly rated by the Federal Rail Administration as one deemed worthy of receiving funds available in the Infrastructure Bill for study."…

According to Rick Meis, another P4PR member, “One thing that jumped out at me was the short clip AANW showed of the statement Idaho Senator Mike Crapo made to welcome the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit to Boise this past week. He makes it clear that putting the Amtrak Pioneer back on the rails through southern Idaho [and eastern Oregon] is not a partisan issue, but one of serving the needs of rural residents – his constituents. Many of our elected officials in Baker County feel that way, too.”…
P4PR’s Judith Fisher said, “Two things stood out to me at the meeting. First, most of the participants present were mostly senior citizens so transport to families, medical facilities and an alternate to winter highways came up a lot, along with the surprising fact that 30 percent of the population does not drive. Second, as cross country passenger train service already demonstrates, there is significant economic benefit to smaller communities along its path.

Bartlett went on to say, “The decision of which lines will get the money will be made this fall. One advantage we have is that the depot does not need much upgrading and it counts towards matching funds. Another point is that passenger trains legally take precedence over freight concerning scheduling, even though the freight companies ignore that currently. The feds are beginning to call the freight companies to account to follow the law. Shorter freight trains and more side-tracks can facilitate better scheduling.…

“The interest in and support for the return of the Pioneer line is exciting!” Fisher said, and Bolgiano added, “The impetus to get a passenger train back to Baker City is alive and well.”

July 26, 2023
Ontario (OR) Argus Observer: Looking at the return of passenger railroad services

July 24, 2023
Representative Jake Fey on Facebook: ""[Rep Jake Fey] was in Boise last week as part of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region's annual summit… one that got news coverage was a panel discussion with other state legislators on current and future opportunities for states to work together in support of passenger rail."

July 23, 2023
Ontario (OR) Argus Observer: Train trek pulls into Weiser

July 22, 2023
Idaho Press: “'Everyone has a train story': Northwest leaders hopeful rail service will return to Idaho”

July 22, 2023
Dakota Free Press: Idaho Wants Amtrak

July 21, 2023
City of Boise E-Newsletter: “This week was rail week in Boise! We welcomed the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit to the City of Trees where we had the privilege of hearing from Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, as the keynote speaker. Amtrak, in collaboration with local and state governments across the nation and supported by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, is actively working to revitalize passenger rail travel in the United States.”

July 21, 2023
Elkhorn Media Group: Advocates to Hold Meeting in Baker City to Discuss Restoring Amtrak Passenger Train Service in Eastern Oregon

July 20, 2023
Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit videos

July 20, 2023
CBS2 Idaho News: Amtrak comes to Boise to talk future of passenger rail in Idaho

July 20, 2023
Idaho 6 News: Treasure Valley leaders discuss Northwest passenger train system that would connect us to cities near and far

July 20, 2023
Idaho 6 News: The Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit sparks talks about passenger rail service in Boise

July 20, 2023
KTVB-TV/MSN: Treasure Valley leaders pushing for passenger train service, Amtrak CEO in Boise

July 20, 2023
KBOI Boise/MSN: Amtrak comes to Boise to talk future of passenger rail in Idaho

July 20, 2023
Boise State Public Radio: Discussion on bringing passenger train service back to Boise hitting high gear

July 20, 2023
Rail.chat: Celebrating an outstanding Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit

July 19, 2023
Bend Bulletin: All Aboard NW to host stakeholder meeting toward restoring Amtrak passenger train

July 19, 2023
Baker City Herald: All Aboard NW to host stakeholder meeting toward restoring Amtrak passenger train

July 19, 2023
Weiser Signal American: Could passenger rail service return to Weiser?

July 18, 2023
Newswires: Fey participating in this week’s Pacific Northwest Economic Regional Foundation’s annual summit

July 16, 2023
Ontario (OR) Argus Observer: Advocates meet to discuss restoring passenger rail service in eastern Oregon and Idaho

July 14, 2023
Go Eastern Oregon: Returning Passenger Trains to a Station Near You: Why and How

July 13, 2023
Columbia Gorge News: Returning Passenger Trains to a Station Near You: Why and How

July 13, 2023
KTGA Bigfoot 99 Radio: Discover Carbon County Sponsors Passenger Train Meeting
“Tonight, Discover Carbon County, formerly known as the Carbon County Visitor’s Council, and the AANW are hosting a meeting in Rawlins titled Returning Passenger Trains to a Station Near You: Why and How.…Hamilton said the meeting in Rawlins will address the lack of passenger train travel available in Wyoming.”

July 4, 2023
Tri-City Herald: Wouldn’t it be great if Tri-Citians could take a train directly to Seattle and back?
"All Aboard Washington (AAWA)… has proposed restoring passenger rail between Pasco and Seattle through Yakima and Ellensburg. A study, “Feasibility of an East-West Intercity Passenger Rail System for Washington State,” showed that passenger rail service between Seattle, Auburn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Yakima, Toppenish, Pasco, and Spokane is technically and financially viable.… Shouldn’t some of that money be used to restore passenger rail service from Pasco to Seattle through the Valley? Our Badger Club forum speakers will be Charles Hamilton, [co-executive director] of All Aboard Washington, and Jason Biggs, program manager of Capital and Operations for the Washington Department of Transportation’s Rail, Freight, and Ports Division.
The hour-long forum will begin at noon and be held on Zoom, and attendees can attend a half-hour open mic “Table Talk” session immediately afterward. Club members attend free, while non-members pay $5. Register at www.columbiabasinbadgers.com."

June 20, 2023
Seattle Times: Amtrak’s Seattle maintenance-base plans would take over a Sodo street
“The passenger-advocacy group All Aboard Washington supports a Holgate closure, because less accident risk means more reliable service when trains arrive from Portland. “You’re only a few minutes from King Street Station. You feel like you’re almost there. They get on the PA and say, ‘We’re stopping.’ There’s traffic, or a truck that has blocked the intersection. That happens,” said Charlie Hamilton, co-executive director.”

May 21, 2023
Deseret News: Utah seeks to study rail service from Salt Lake to Boise, Las Vegas
“The possible commuter rail study comes as passenger rail advocates pushed for Utah to consider adding more rail service. Dan Bilka, the co-founder of the nonprofit rail advocacy organization All Aboard Northwest, told KSL.com last year that he believes trains could help improve the country's transportation infrastructure, providing more options than what's on the road or in the air.”

April 19, 2023
Hells Canyon Journal: "Grassroots Group Works To Reinstate Eastern Oregon Passenger Rail Service"

March 15, 2023
Real Change News: “#Washington state could be squandering a unique opportunity to invest in expanded passenger #rail service with federal funds that were authorized in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure act, transportation advocates say.”

March 6, 2023
KIMA TV: Advocates say a new federal study could bring a passenger train route back through Yakima

March 4, 2023
Yakima Herald: Advocates hope federal passenger rail study will include Yakima Valley

March 1, 2023
High Country News: Trains in the West then, now — and someday?

September 19, 2022
KSL News: A Utah train to Idaho? Salt Lake, Boise leaders are working to restore old service

August 21, 2022
KSL News: Do Utah and the West need more passenger trains? These groups make the argument

August 19, 2022
Sweetwater Now: RS City Council Hears Pitch on Return of Passenger Train Service

August 18, 2022
Western Governors' Association: Best of the West: Regional investments in trains

August 17, 2022
Wyoming News: Transforming a community: Guest speakers share benefits of passenger rail service

August 17, 2022
City of Rock Springs YouTube: Returning Passenger Trains to a Station Near You

August 14, 2022
La Grande Observer: All Aboard Northwest stops in La Grande to advocate for passenger rail

August 11, 2022
La Grande Observer: All Aboard Northwest comes to La Grande to advocate for passenger rails

August 11, 2022
East Oregonian: All Aboard Northwest comes to Pendleton to advocate for passenger rails

August 11, 2022
Elkhorn Media Group: A Push for Passenger Rail in the Pacific Northwest

August 10, 2022
Salt Lake City Weekly: All Aboard

June 16, 2022
Railway Age: Forbes and Ike Brannon Have It All Wrong
Opinion from AANW's Dan Bilka. "Ignoring the “Hinterlands,” the heartland of America, as Jack Kemp Institute Senior Fellow Ike Brannon champions in his Forbes article, “Amtrak’s Expansion To The Hinterlands Will Be Costly To The Government & The Economy,” will in reality be expensive to the U.S. government, the economy and the American way of life."

May 6, 2022
Wyoming Public Media: A non-profit organization is advocating for the return of passenger rail service in rural regions
"All Aboard Northwest is…advocating for expanding passenger rail service to underserved or unserved communities in the Pacific Northwest, the Mountain West, and the Midwest. Formally launched earlier this year, it’s involved in lobbying efforts, community engagement and education…on how passenger access would affect communities."

February 16, 2022
AAWA Discusses Rail Funding on KING5 TV

January 18, 2022
Fast Company: AAWA's Charles Hamilton on why the Pioneer and North Coast Hiawatha lines should be revived

December 23, 2021
Elkhorn Media Group: Rail advocates discuss return to passenger service

December 3, 2021
Cheney Free Press: "All Aboard Washington will host an online meeting Saturday, Dec. 11, to review actions being planned for next year in the organization’s effort to return passenger train service to several Eastern Washington cities."

November 18, 2021
AAWA's Charlie Hamilton expresses confidence in the new bypass route on KIRO TV

November 18, 2021
"Rail advocates argue new lines will grow the economy, shrink mobility inequalities and help decarbonize the region" AAWA's Hamilton interviewed

November 16, 2021
"Yakima could see highway, airport and rail funding as a result of infrastructure bill"

November 11, 2021
AAWA's Charles Hamilton weighs in on "What the infrastructure bill might do for rail transportation in Washington and Idaho" in the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

September 27, 2021
All Aboard Washington's Patrick Carnahan speaks about rail safety on KHQ Spokane.

September 9, 2021
Ritzville Journal: "To Cheney and Ritzville, a new rail system implies increased connectivity to traditionally bypassed towns, and a much-needed economic boost."

August 31, 2021
The Urbanist: "All Aboard Washington Releases New Passenger Rail Vision Map"

August 26, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Cheney

August 20, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Ellensburg and Cle Elum

August 19, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Spokane and Cheney

August 18, 2021
Pacific Northwest Rail Forum

August 10, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Tri-Cities

August 6, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Clarkston-Lewiston

August 3, 2021
AAWA is front-page news in Ritzville

August 3, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Edmonds

August 2, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Walla Walla

August 2, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Toppenish

July 31, 2021
2021 Train Trek: Yakima

July 30, 2021
2021 Train Trek

July 30, 2021
2021 Train Trek Levenworth

July 30, 2021
2021 Train Trek Wenatchee

June 7, 2021
AAWA's Patrick Carnahan's article on "Reviving a Rail Revolution: How Washington Can Get Back On Track"

May 26, 2021
Spokane Spokesman-Review: Amtrak loses money on long-distance routes like the Empire Builder, but passengers say they offer a service worth investing in (PDF)
'Harvey Bowen, the Rail Passengers Association’s Washington state representative, said adding trips on shorter-distance routes could help fix some of the shortcomings of Amtrak’s long-distance routes.
'“One of the major existing problems with the Empire Builder, and indeed many existing routes, is that it serves certain cities in the middle of the night, such as Spokane,” Bowen wrote in an email.
'“There also is not enough equipment so the train is often sold out,” he added. “Due to being chronically sold out, ticket prices rise and is a problem for equity with people who have limited financial resources to travel.”
'Investing in more frequent trips on shorter routes could also make train travel more popular as it becomes more convenient, said Charlie Hamilton, co-executive director of the rail travel advocacy group All Aboard Washington.
'“One train a day is fine as a starting point, but it needs to be multiple (trains) in order to be successful,” he said. “If you look at California, the fact that they have been so successful is very much related to the fact that they run very frequently.”'
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/may/26/amtrak-loses-money-on-long-distance-routes-like-th/
Orion Donovan-Smith's reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license.

April 22, 2021
The Urbanist says "Passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard Washington has suggested restoring Cascades’ northern service to Bellingham and even Blaine despite the border closure."

April 21, 2021
Rapid City Journal: BILKA: A South Dakota passenger rail vision

April 13, 2021
AAWA's Patrick Carnahan talks about transportation equity for all parts of the state on KHQ television, Spokane (around 6 minutes into the episode).

March 11, 2021
The Urbanist posts about AAWA's presentation to the WA House Transportation Committee

March 10, 2021
Spokane Spokesman-Review: "Pandemic relief bill would restore daily Empire Builder train service — and advocates push for more"

February 16, 2021
Sierra Club Washington: "How passenger rail is integral to our environmental goals and can help fight climate change"

January 17, 2021
KIRO 7 TV: "Amtrak testing trains at Point Defiance Bypass for first time since deadly 2017 derailment"

November 9, 2020
"Daily passenger rail service ends in Spokane; can it come back?"