2026 September Economic Report

Beginning Sept. 30, customers can experience the new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades as Amtrak introduces its newest fleet into passenger service, including stops in Centralia.

Two trainsets, operating four daily trips, will begin carrying customers on launch day, marking the first phase of Airo’s introduction between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon. As the rollout continues, additional trainsets will enter service through early 2027 bringing more seats, modern amenities, enhanced accessibility, panoramic windows and a refreshed onboard experience to even more Amtrak Cascades customers.

“The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest,” said Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann. “After extensive planning, design, manufacturing and testing, we’re just weeks away from welcoming customers aboard. This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak’s broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country.”

Designed for the Pacific Northwest

The new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream and mocha color palette along with design elements inspired by the Cascade mountain range. The arrival of the new fleet marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for passenger rail across the Pacific Northwest.

“Oregon continues to reach record train ridership, and we are proud to partner with Amtrak to bring their new trains to the Pacific Northwest,” said Chris Warner, interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. “Amtrak Cascades offers Oregonians and visitors a chance to leave I-5 traffic behind and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. We look forward to welcoming the new trains and giving even more people the opportunity to experience passenger rail in Oregon.”

“These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest,” said WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith. “They bring improved reliability, comfort, and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country. We’re particularly excited to be the first in the nation to introduce these new trains into service.”

A new experience onboard

The new trainsets are designed to make every trip more comfortable, convenient and connected. Inside, customers will find more than 300 seats per trainset along with a range of features that enhance the onboard experience.

Enhanced comfort: Ergonomically designed seating with adjustable headrests, panoramic windows, enhanced lighting and modern interiors.

• More ways to stay connected: Complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports, and digital customer information displays.

• Improved accessibility: Accessible seating and features throughout the train, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms with touchless controls.

• A refreshed Cafe experience: Featuring food and beverage offerings inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

Be among the first to ride

The initial launch on Sept. 30 will feature two trainsets operating four daily trips, connecting communities across the Pacific Northwest, including Centralia.

Northbound

Train 516: Seattle → Vancouver, B.C. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Train 508: Eugene → Seattle | 4:30 p.m. – 10:50 p.m.

Southbound

Train 503: Seattle → Eugene | 7:10 a.m. – 1:48 p.m.

Train 519: Vancouver, B.C. → Seattle | 4:45 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.

Centralia stops

Amtrak Cascades Daily Stops at Centralia

Northbound toward Seattle (from Portland / Vancouver, WA):

Morning arrival: 8:53 a.m.

Midday arrival: 11:48 a.m.

Afternoon arrival: 4:01 p.m.

Evening arrival: 9:31 p.m.

Southbound toward Portland / Eugene (from Seattle / Tacoma):

Morning departure: 10:36 a.m.

Afternoon departure: 1:51 p.m.

Evening departure: 7:21 p.m.

Coast Starlight Daily Stops at Centralia

Northbound (Train 14) toward Seattle: Stop time at 12:32 p.m.

Southbound (Train 11) toward Portland / Los Angeles: Stop time at 5:36 p.m.

Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Amtrak Cascades, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car. As additional trainsets enter service, Airo will continue expanding across the route, ultimately replacing the existing Amtrak Cascades fleet.

The entire Amtrak Airo fleet refresh for the Pacific Northwest’s Amtrak Cascades route costs about $200 million for the order of eight trainsets, two new locomotives, and a spare cab car. This averages out to roughly $22 million to $25 million per trainset.

As the first route in the nation to welcome these new trains into passenger service, Amtrak Cascades features a distinctive fleet designed specifically for the Pacific Northwest. Future Airo trainsets operating on other routes will reflect Amtrak’s national red, white and blue branding while maintaining the defining features and customer-focused design of the Airo fleet.

Looking ahead, the next planned Airo deployment is on the Northeast Regional, where the first trainset recently completed production and began testing. Additional trainsets remain in production ahead of a planned service launch in late 2027.

Manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, Airo trainsets incorporate components from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states, supporting American manufacturing and jobs.

“When the first Airo trainsets welcome passengers later this month, it will mark the start of a journey that extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest,” said Tobias Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America. “Airo represents the next level for American passenger rail, built on a proven platform that combines innovation, comfort, and accessibility. Designed and assembled in the USA, as this fleet expands nationwide, its impact will be measured not only by new technology, but by the millions of passenger journeys it makes possible.”

Learn more about the new Airo fleet at media.amtrak.com/airo-fleet/.

The Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Dick’s Brewing Company, the city of Centralia and the Port of Centralia are hosting the final Revitalization Round Table on Monday, Sept. 28 at Dick’s Brewery located at 3516 Galvin Rd, Centralia, in the Port of Centralia.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m. This will be an evening of connection, conversation, and a look at what’s happening in and around our community.

The Port of Centralia will offer a special presentation, giving attendees an opportunity to hear more about their work and what’s happening locally.

Dick’s Brewing Company will have the bar open, and Dick’s Sandwich Shop food truck will be serving dinner for purchase.

Revitalization Round Tables are about bringing people together, sharing information, asking questions, and staying connected to the work shaping Centralia.

Recent Revitalization Round Table discussions hosted by the Centralia Downtown Association and the Economic Alliance of Lewis County have focused on actionable data regarding Centralia’s real estate, tourism gaps and corridor development.

Key findings and discussion points

Critical infrastructure deficits: Ongoing studies highlighted that Centralia is seriously lacking in commercial retail space, office space, and multi-family housing.

Redevelopment opportunities: Analysts identified more than 20 parcels along Centralia’s Main Street corridor that are highly prime for redevelopment.

The tourism disconnect: Tourism tracking data revealed that a large portion of visitors only experience the Centralia Outlets or local highway staples like Country Cousin. A major takeaway is the need for strategies that actively draw those highway travelers into the historic downtown core.

Main Street Corridor alignment: The findings run parallel to the city’s broader Main Street Corridor Revitalization Plan. This initiative aims to utilize future state and federal grants to build safer pedestrian/bike routes, introduce streetscape beautification, and unlock housing potential between Pearl and Yew streets.

These ongoing data points will serve as the foundation for this final session as stakeholders shift toward planning future project priorities.

What an evening for tourism in Lewis County.

Friday, Sept. 18, tourism partners, community leaders and businesses from across the county came together for the Discover Lewis County Tourism Summit; an evening to celebrate where we’ve been and share where we’re going next.

Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer welcomed guests on behalf of Lewis County, Lisa Smith of the Washington State Microenterprise Association spoke about the important connection between small business and tourism, and Matthew Ozuna of State of Washington Tourism shared statewide tourism trends and perspective.

Discover Lewis County also officially unveiled the new direction for Discover Lewis County; Volcano Country, a bold, countywide destination identity built around the landscapes, communities and experiences that make Lewis County such an extraordinary place to visit.

“Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, partners and everyone who joined us; and especially to the businesses, organizations, volunteers and community leaders who make tourism in Lewis County such a success,” said Lenee Langdon, the program manager for Discover Lewis County and White Pass Scenic Byway, for the Economic Alliance of Lewis County. “This is a new chapter for Discover Lewis County; one built on robust collaboration, strong communities and a destination we are incredibly proud to share.”

The incredible food was provided by The Crowded Kitchen Catering Co. and the bar was run by the Incomparable The Juice Box.

The evening was an opportunity to celebrate some of the people and organizations whose work continues to strengthen tourism across Lewis County:

Tourism Champion of the Year: Steven Mayer

Outstanding Visitor Experience: Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum

Partnership & Collaboration Award: Kathy Murphy

Rising Star in Tourism: Fionna Velazquez

Stewardship & Community Impact Award: Tony Karniss

Tourism Volunteer of the Year: Johanna Jones

Distinguished Tourism Legacy Award: Edna Fund