Bring your curiosity and questions to an informational evening, Mar. 11, at 6 p.m., with Oregon Department of Transportation’s Rail Division Administrator Hal Gard and Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy at the Eugene Train Depot. Mr. Gard is looking forward to having a dialogue with those who care about rail travel or who want to discuss the future of the entire rail corridor from Eugene to Vancouver, B.C.
New and exciting changes that will shape the direction of passenger rail in the state are on the horizon. The two new train sets purchased by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are beginning to be phased into operation on the Cascade Corridor, increasing flexibility between Portland and Eugene and allowing for convenient business travel back and forth in a single day. Oregon’s Passenger Rail Project, for which Mayor Piercy serves as the Leadership Council co-chair, is studying ways to further improve travel between Eugene/Springfield and Portland and advising the Governor on preferred track configuration for inter-city travel throughout the Willamette Valley. Additionally, ODOT is developing designs for enhancements to Eugene’s historic train depot that will serve to support Eugene’s long-standing commitment to the progression of rail travel in the region.
Trains are becoming more publicly recognized as an energy-efficient way to travel, and a well-planned and functioning rail system will help address federal and state energy mandates, limited resources and other environmental concerns. Come engage in the conversation and gather additional information about what’s new on the rail.
For additional details, visit www.oregonpassengerrail.org, or contact Rob Inerfeld, Transportation Planning Manager.