Benefits of High-Speed Rail
Good jobs.
Stronger regional economy.
High-speed rail is projected to create over 200,000 jobs and unlock $355 billion in economic impact — supporting workers, attracting investment, and powering one of North America’s most dynamic cross-border economies.
From construction to operations, HSR will drive long-term growth and open new markets for businesses and workers alike — with a focus on inclusion and opportunity for communities across the region.
- Creates 38,000 high-quality, good-paying construction jobs during the building phase — plus an additional 160,000 long-term jobs tied to operations, maintenance, station development, and broader economic growth
- Adds new innovation hubs and business opportunities near station areas
Strengthens our economic relationship — Canada was Washington’s second largest export market and Washington and Oregon collectively imported $25 billion in goods from Canada in 2023 - Connects more people to good jobs—and help businesses tap into diverse talent across the region
- Brings more travelers, events, and visitors across borders
Faster trips.
Better, safer connections.
High-speed rail slashes travel time between Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland to just one hour — giving people a fast, reliable alternative to I-5.
It connects seamlessly with existing transit systems like Amtrak Cascades or light rail, making it easier for millions to move across the region and expanding access to opportunity across income levels, geographies, and communities.
Just as important: high-speed rail is one of the safest forms of transportation in the world — it means fewer accidents, less congestion, and more peace of mind.
- Over 3 million riders projected annually making it potentially one of the most successful North America systems
- Connects to Amtrak, SkyTrain, Sound Transit, MAX, airports, and more
- Frees up capacity for freight and other trips that rely on I-5
- Reduces transportation costs and commute times for working families
More affordable housing. Stronger, more livable communities.
Our region is already unaffordable, and to meet the housing demand of the next 20 years, Cascadia needs to build approximately three million new housing units.
High-speed rail is not just a transportation project — it’s a housing strategy. High-speed rail unlocks new opportunities to build housing around future stations — and just as importantly, it connects residents in currently affordable communities to jobs, transit, and services across the region.
With smart planning, high-speed rail corridors can become vibrant, livable communities — places where families can afford to put down roots without being priced out or forced into long commutes.
- Delivers housing people can afford — from market to affordable — in transit-connected communities
- Makes our region more equitable by connecting affordable communities to high-opportunity job centers
Climate-smart travel.
High-speed rail is a climate-forward solution that replaces cars and air trips with cleaner transportation.
Rail travel has historically been one of the most environmentally friendly modes, generating 12 times less carbon dioxide emitted than air and 3 to 5 times less than automobiles.
It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, helping Cascadia meet its climate goals while improving health outcomes across the region.
- Shifts 150 million trips from cars annually and airplane trips to low-emission rail
- Reduces transportation sector emissions — one of the region’s largest sources of pollution
- Supports cleaner air, quieter communities, and healthier cities