

The Washington Association of Rail Passengers was a consumer oriented, rail advocacy group organization compromised of citizens, businesses and other public interest groups from Washington State, as well as from neighboring states and provinces. Working together for improved rail transportation services in the Pacific Northwest, WashARP worked in concert with similar rail passenger groups in Oregon, California, and British Columbia. They also maintained a cooperative relationship with the National Association of Rail Passengers, based in Washington DC.
The Association believed that a modern rail passenger rail network is an essential element of a truly balanced transportation system in which each mode of transport (highway, air, ferry and rail) is used to its best advantage. Governments can no longer ignore the alternatives that railroads and passenger trains offer. Yet, they continue to give preferential treatment to inefficient and congested highway and airway systems. We encourage government agencies that deal with transportation to consider the economic, social and environmental benefits that railroads have to offer.
The Washington Association of Rail Passengers was a non-profit 501(c)3 citizen activist organization funded sorely by membership dues and donations. Membership was encouraged for any individual or group that has a concern in developing a balanced, cost-effective and environmentally sound transportation network in Washington State. Contributions were tax deductible under IRS rules. Members received a membership card, a bi-monthly newsletter covering efforts of the Association and notification of upcoming Association meetings.
The following links below access WashARP's archive materials:
Picture Gallery
Meeting Minutes from Past Meetings
Arrival Statistics
Ridership Statistics - Amtrak Cascades
Documents in Adobe Acrobat Format
