Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter to the Canadian Minister of Public Safety urging the Canadian government to reconsider their fee increase on the second Amtrak Cascades train so it can remain in service. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently learned that the Canadian government will impose a cost recovery fee for border clearance service for the second Amtrak Cascades train.  CBSA waived the fee for the second train during last year’s pilot program.  The Canadian government told WSDOT that they need an estimated $547,500 annually to operate the train. Members of Congress from both Washington and Oregon joined Murray and Larsen in signing this letter.

 “The second Amtrak Cascades train offers a clear economic benefit for communities on both sides of the border,” said Rep. Rick Larsen. “I urge the Canadian government to hold up their end of the bargain so this service can continue to help enhance cross-border travel for people traveling and commuting in the region. It would be a mistake to eliminate this valuable train service as ridership is growing and passengers are helping the economy by spending their dollars in both the U.S. and Canada.”

"I am extremely disappointed that Canada has taken this counterproductive and harmful action against Washington state passengers," said Senator Patty Murray. "This new fee will hurt our state and it will reduce cross-border economic activity that helps both countries. I will continue working with the rest of the delegation to urge Canada to reconsider this decision."


Text of the letter to the Canadian Minister of Public Safety follows:

The Honorable Vic Toews
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A-OA6

Dear Minister Toews:

We were extremely disappointed to learn last month that the Canadian government plans to impose nearly $550,000 in additional fees for border-clearance services for the second Amtrak Cascades train.  We are writing to respectfully request that you reconsider your decision and allow the second train to continue operating.

The second train offers a clear economic benefit on both sides of the border.  It has brought in an estimated $11.8 million in economic benefits to British Columbia during the past year.  In our current economic recovery, we must be doing everything possible to encourage economic activity and tourism.

The service has been successful in enhancing cross-border travel for people traveling and commuting in the region.  Total ridership on the second train has grown steadily in the first year of operation, carrying nearly 245,000 passengers.  As a result of the second train, annual ridership into Vancouver has almost doubled from approximately 35,000 to 70,000, exceeding expectations. 

Along with the clear economic benefits of additional rail service, enhancing this service gives our citizens an efficient and reliable alternative to driving.  It takes vehicles off of the road and will help Washington state, Oregon and B.C. in achieving our long term emissions reduction goals. 

We also note that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided inspection services for the second train without imposing any additional cost burden on Washington and Oregon passengers.  It is our sincere hope that the Canadian Border Service Agency will be able to do the same.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.  Our two nations have benefited greatly from the economic benefits and increased connectivity this service provides and we look forward to it continuing in the future.

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