From what I've read in the Vancouver papers, the idea hatched a few years ago. As the Canadian dollar climbed in value, the travel by Canadians into the States increased. Places like Bellingham, Everett, Seattle (and many casinos along the way) had near record visits by Canadian tourists. Amtrak was aware of the waits at the border, travel times and was hesitant over "just a temporary spike in the Canadian economy" that resulted in us travelling abroad more. This is probably the fourth year that Canada, specifically BC has had a booming economy, resulting in more jobs, more travel and a sort of "back-flow" to the Americans "weekend warriors" we see at the tourist traps here.

The Amtrak train to/from Lotusland really caters to the American tourist. If I wanted to say, see a Mariner's game (I hope to this year), I would leave Vancouver in the evening, Be forced to stay overnight in downtown Seattle, see the game the next day, stay for a second night, and come back on the third morning.

If I was an American doing the same in Vancouver, I could shave at least a day out of that schedule. I really hope that another train can be added to the route.

On another note, The border lineup really isn't that bad. Sometimes the waits can be as much as two hours to get across when driving, but going across at non-peak times helps. Even if there is a "code orange" security restriction (do you guys still colour code the threat levels?), it's still a blessing in disguise to keep the baddies in/out of your/my country for a little inconvenience. BTW, I think US customs is at the Vancouver terminal to question you before you board the Amtrak headed south.

almo