The New Math: Sound Transit + Amtrak Cascades = RailPlus

Sound Transit celebrated its fifth anniversary of providing service today by announcing that weekday travel between Everett and Seattle just got easier! The regional transit agency and Amtrak Cascades will team up to provide commuters between Everett and Seattle with more weekday travel times and commute options. The new program is called RailPlus.

Beginning October 1, PugetPass, FlexPass and UPass cards will be valid on select Amtrak Cascades trains. Additionally, any valid Amtrak Cascade ticket will be good aboard Sound Transit's Sounder trains between Everett, Edmonds and Seattle's King Street Station.

"RailPlus means still more options and an easier commute for thousands of residents between Everett and Seattle," said U.S. Senator Patty Murray. "It means more mobility, more flexibility, and a better quality of life for the people living and working in this region. As we see from the partnership here today - together - we can overcome whatever obstacles we face -- and we can build a brighter future for Washington State." Senator Murray actively supported the agreement that created RailPlus (see attached letter).

"This is great news for Snohomish County commuters," said Sound Transit Vice Chair/Everett City Councilman Mark Olson. "Our job as a regional transit agency is to provide as many options as we can so commuters have alternatives to sitting in freeway traffic. RailPlus expands the options for our regular commuters and provides the opportunity for more people to ride the train. "

"WSDOT and Amtrak have offered rail service to communities north of Seattle since 1995," said Sound Transit Boardmember/Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald. "This pilot project with Sound Transit will make this service even more attractive and convenient for travelers."

The full-fare PugetPass will be accepted on Sounder commuter rail, select Amtrak Cascades trains; and bus service operated by Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and King County Metro. Amtrak Cascades tickets will be good only on Sounder service between Seattle and Everett, Monday through Friday. The pass used on Amtrak Cascades must be equal to the full-fare price of the trip. Although accepted on Sounder trains, no pass upgrades, Day Passes or Single-Trip tickets will be accepted on Amtrak Cascades.

  
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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.