GNP Railway is talking to the federal Surface Transportation Board about restoring diesel trains to the rail line running from Woodinville to Redmond, just when you thought it was purchased by the City of Redmond for a future trail!

Redmond-Biking Along The Sammamish River Trail

GNP’s proposal is unusual because it asks for permission to resume rail service on tracks it doesn’t own and without an agreement with the owners.

Redmond owns about half of the Redmond Spur. The Port of Seattle owns the remainder.

Redmond Mayor John Marchione said he was “very disappointed” by GNP’s petitions to resume rail service.

“That’s not collaboration, that’s not partnership,” he said. “The city of Redmond’s not going to allow diesel engines to idle in our downtown. This corridor is reserved for trail and light rail, and if we add other kinds of rail service in the corridor we’ll examine those options in the next year or two.”

Most people in Redmond assume the corridor was purchased for a trail, so this news is a big surprise to a lot of people. It’s particularly important to the people who live in Redmond to let the city know what you think about diesel trains along the line.

Keep in mind Redmond is “the bicycle capital of the world” and is a sought after place to live because of its emphasis on trails for biking, running and walking. A trail along the Redmond railroad spur is a huge addition to the existing Sammamish River Trail. It’s all about quality of life and getting back to  walking and biking for commuting and for fun.  Trails add value and quality to people’s lives and increase the desirability and value of a community.  Desirability and value bring more dollars to the value of housing and dollars to businesses in the community.  People who are in town biking and walking spend money at local cafes and restaurants.  They come to do errands in town before or after they “hit the trail.”

But most importantly, the walking/biking aspect of Redmond is what makes it unique and special on the eastside.  Besides a high tech identity, it’s a big part of Redmond’s identity and who Redmond is as a community.

It’s important to maintain the quality of life in Redmond, to promote health and exercise, and enhance the attractiveness and value of living in the city.  A trail adds to all of these things.

The City of Redmond wants to hear from you regarding The Redmond Central Connector, the use of the BNSF line, at a Visioning Meeting on September 15th.

Attend the meeting and make your voice heard.  Ask for a trail to keep Redmond’s quality of life focused on the people who live and work in the community.