Second Amtrak Cascades to Seattle extended

Alex Fraser Bridge from Amtrak Cascades
Photo by Sue Frause

As I reported in my Examiner.com site, the second Amtrak Cascades train that's been traveling between Vancouver, BC and Seattle has been extended through Sept. 30, 2010.

Simply put, Seattle-bound passengers from Vancouver, BC and points south can continue to hop aboard two trains a day. The second train, which was originally a pilot project between Washington and British Columbia, was scheduled to run through March 31, 2010.

Last week, I was aboard the 6:40 AM train departing Vancouver's Pacific Central Station, arriving in Everett, WA about three hours later. It's a lovely ride heading south as the sun comes up; for added comfort, spring for the extra $ and go Business Class. But remember to bring your own headphones; they charge for them on board if you want to watch a movie.

The second southbound train departs Vancouver at 5:45 PM, arriving in Seattle about four hours later. During the Winter Games, it left the station at 7:30 PM, allowing day-trippers more time in Vancouver during the Olympics.