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Community feedback

Gif showing a train arriving at the stationCommunity feedback about rail in Oregon

train station iconAs part of the Oregon State Rail Plan update, in Spring 2025 ODOT asked people in Oregon about how freight and passenger rail could better serve their communities over the next 20 years.

More than 1,400 people throughout the state participated in the online survey. Many had direct experience with rail, whether as Amtrak riders, commuters, business operators or neighbors living near rail lines.

Common themes

Learn about the four themes that were the most common among survey respondents by clicking on the "+" or the titles below.

People want safe rail crossings with fewer delays. They're looking for better signs and lighting and infrastructure that builds confidence for all travelers.

"Medford needs more ways to cross the rail – it cuts our valley in half and poses a safety risk in the event of a full-scale evacuation."​

​There's strong interest in passenger rail that connects more Oregon communities beyond Portland and Eugene. Many people called for reliable, frequent service that's accessible to everyone.

​Respondents emphasized efficient use of public funds and coordination with land use planning. They want investments toward a sustainable rail system that is resilient to the effects of climate change. 

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​People in Oregon see rail as an engine for local and statewide prosperity. They said that rail should support business growth, freight movement and affordable travel options for workers and families.

"By reopening the Baker City station, the income generated will benefit the whole state."​

Future priorities

Learn about survey respondents' future priorities for passenger and freight rail in Oregon by clicking on the "+" or the titles below.

  • ​89% support high-speed rail between Portland and Eugene.
  • 79% support high-speed rail between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
  • 75% support expanded Amtrak Cascades service.
  • 67% support reinstating the Amtrak Pioneer route.

"A train from Portland or Eugene to Bend would take pressure off the roadways."​

  • ​73% rated environmental benefits and emissions reduction as "very important".
  • 68% rated reduced highway congestion as "very important". 
  • 65% rated safer movement of goods as "very important".

  • 30% rated blocked crossings as "very concerned". 
  • 31% rated hazardous materials shipments as "very concerned" and 30% rated as "concerned".
  • Crossing conditions, rail line abandonment and limited local input on rail issues. 

​We included an interactive map in the survey and asked participants to mark where rail improvements could benefit their community. Participants identified more than 4,000 locations in one of five categories:

  1. ​Safety – Safer crossings and reduced conflict.
  2. Rail infrastructure – Upgraded tracks, bridges and signals.
  3. Rail access – Improved local access to rail lines and facilities. 
  4. Passenger service – Expanded routes and frequency.
  5. Multimodal access – Better connections for people walking, biking or using public transit.
Map of Oregon showing survey responses listed by issue type and locationClick on the image to enlarge.
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Survey note: This online research is voluntary public engagement that does not employ random sampling. It's not representative of the overall population of Oregon, nor is it a scientifically valid sampling of the region's population.