Vancouver, Seattle, Portland sign high speed train proposal

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Vancouver, Seattle and Portland have signed a deal to push for a high-speed rail line between the three cities.  Tourism experts are hopeful it could mean bigger business for our region.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says while the expansion of Amtrak service has been good, having a high-speed link between Vancouver, Seattle and Portland could mean more cars off the roads, while still bringing in more tourists and tourist money.

Tourism Vancouver's Paul Vallee says they have been pushing Vancouver as a destination in Seattle.      "And to some lesser extent, Portland, because of the fact that it's a bit more difficult to get to, a longer distance.  But at the same time, we would see this type of initiative, if it goes forward, would certainly provide a great opportunity to draw more people in from that part of the U.S. to Vancouver."

Vallee says the governments have worked out the customs issues with a cross-border trail route, but they may have to upgrade the rail bed for high-speed trains.