Shaping the Future of Rail in Washington State: Public Input Sought
Washington State is experiencing rapid growth, and with that growth comes an increased need for efficient and sustainable transportation. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is taking proactive steps to address these needs by updating the State Rail Plan. As part of this update, WSDOT is seeking public feedback to ensure the future of rail in the state reflects the needs and desires of its residents.
The State Rail Plan aims to create a rail system that supports communities, the economy, and the environment. Rail plays a vital role in moving both people and goods, reducing congestion, and lowering emissions. With millions more people expected to call Washington home in the next two decades, it's crucial to develop a smart transportation future, and rail is a key component of that future.
An online open house and survey are now available for the public to provide input. The online engagement site, accessible at Washington State Rail Plan | Kimley-Horn Social Pinpoint, allows visitors to explore background materials on statewide rail planning efforts and complete a brief survey. The survey seeks to understand how people currently use the rail system and what they envision for its future.
The online open house is available 24/7 from April 15 to June 24, 2025. Both the background information and the survey are available in seven different languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Russian, ensuring broad accessibility.
For those without broadband service, free, temporary internet access is available at Drive-In WiFi Hotspots throughout the state. Locations can be found on the Department of Commerce website at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/wsbo/drive-in-wifi-hotspots/
In addition to the online open house, WSDOT will host several online webinars in May and June. These interactive sessions will provide opportunities to learn more about passenger and freight rail topics, ask questions, and share ideas. Registration for the webinars is available on the online open house webpage.
To stay informed about future engagement opportunities, individuals can subscribe for email updates at the Washington State Department of Transportationhttps://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=WADOT_767.
Feedback gathered from these outreach activities will inform the updated State Rail Plan, which will be submitted to state and federal leaders in early 2026. WSDOT encourages all residents to participate and help shape the future of rail in Washington State.
