All Aboard Washington Announces Intent to Acquire Operate Eastside Rail Corridor



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Bellevue, WA July 17, 2007 -- All Aboard Washington announced today its intent to acquire and operate freight, commuter and tourist rail transportation utilizing the Eastside Rail property and infrastructure. The rail advocacy organization recently formed a cooperative agreement with leading rail industry experts, thus leading to an offer extended to BNSF Friday July 13, 2007.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to bring a coalition of business, industry and rail experts together to provide Puget Sound residents and businesses with a pragmatic, timely and affordable solution to the transportation crisis that faces us today and for generations to come," said, Charles Mott, Chairman of All Aboard Washington.

The railway industry professionals bring a unique combination of vision and hands-on pragmatism of rail issues to all Aboard Washington. This combination resulted in All Aboard Washington making the decision to move ahead with a direct offer to acquire the eastside rail infrastructure from BNSF.

One of the senior railway industry members said, "All Aboard Washington is the kind of organization that truly understands the needs of both commuter and freight rail transportation. I have carefully analyzed all of the available options and my conclusion is that this rail corridor is a sound, efficient and cost effective solution for rail transit here in the Puget Sound region. I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my international experience and background in delivering successful 'rail with trail' solutions to the people and businesses of this great state of Washington."

At 1:30PM PDT today, All Aboard Washington, the Cascadia Center and the Talisma Corporation are sponsoring a tour of the rail line with members of the Cooperation Agreement. Event attendees include business leaders, state and local government officials and media.

All will tour the 40 mile corridor while learning how the system will be improved, where the transit stations will be placed and how overall traffic will be managed. The event will originate and conclude at the Columbia Winery in Woodinville, Washington. For more information, please visit



All Aboard Washington Announces Intent to Acquire Operate Eastside Rail Corridor