Part 10/16:
Similarly, the Pacific Northwest has seen notable growth along its Cascades routes. By increasing train frequency—adding a daily service between Seattle and Portland—ridership surged. These improvements, often modest in cost, have proven effective, demonstrating that more frequent, convenient trains can induce demand from both regular commuters and leisure travelers.
Virginia’s long-term investments further exemplify this strategy. Beginning with initial routes from D.C. to Lynchburg and Richmond, the state has since poured billions into track acquisition, upgrades, and new infrastructure projects. Its success has mobilized other states to invest more heavily in their passenger rail networks, transforming Virginia into a regional rail leader.