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Tacoma Rail: Serving The Puget Sound

Published: July 24, 2024

By: Adam Burns

Tacoma Rail (reporting marks TMBL/TRMW) is a municipal short line railroad operating in the heart of Washington State.  The system has established itself as a pivotal player in the regional transportation landscape.

With a storied history spanning over a century, this short line railroad exemplifies resilience, innovation, and dedicated service to its customers and community.

Owned by the City of Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Rail operates as a public utility under Tacoma Public Utilities. Unlike other city services, the railroad is self-sustaining and generates revenue for both the city and the State of Washington.

Tacoma Rail provides critical freight switching services, primarily serving the Port of Tacoma and customers in Tacoma, southern Pierce County, and parts of Thurston County.

The railroad operates 16 diesel locomotives and maintains a workforce of over 100 employees to manage approximately 140 miles of track. Much of this track comprises former Milwaukee Road and BNSF Railway lines, primarily situated in Western Washington.

In this article, we will explore the history, operations, economic impact, and future prospects of Tacoma Rail.

Tacoma Rail SD40-2 #3001 (built as Penn Central SD45 #6237) is on the way to Eatonville, Washington on June 23, 2011. Drew Jacksich photo.

History and Origins

Tacoma Rail’s earliest heritage can be traced back to the origins can be traced back to 1889 as part of the city's local electrified streetcar system.

However, most of its present-day network is comprised of former Milwaukee Road and BNSF Railway trackage.

What began as a modest municipal rail line has grown into a crucial component of Tacoma's economic infrastructure.

Divisions

Today, Tacoma Rail operates approximately 140 miles of track, covering a diverse range of industrial and commercial customers. The railroad is divided into three key divisions: the Tidelands Division, the Capital Division, and the Mountain Division.

Tidelands Division

This division focuses on rail services within the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in North America. Tacoma Rail plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods to and from the port, facilitating international trade.

The Tidelands Division handles a wide range of commodities, including intermodal containers, automobiles, bulk goods, and more.

The division serves the area surrounding the port, including all four intermodal terminals, and interchanges with both BNSF and Union Pacific. This division caters to 40 customers and handles the majority of Tacoma Rail’s traffic.

Established in 1914 initially as a streetcar line to transport port workers, the division has operated exclusively as a freight line since 1937. Historically, it was known as the Tacoma Municipal Belt Line.

Lakewood Division

The Lakewood division, spans from Tacoma to DuPont, was acquired from BNSF Railway in November 2004.

Currently, the division caters to 11 customers, primarily located in the Lakewood area. Additionally, Sound Transit holds trackage rights on this route, facilitating the operation of its Sounder commuter rail between Tacoma and Lakewood.

In recent years, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has invested in infrastructure improvements for this line, with the objective of rerouting the Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight services by 2019.

Mountain Division (Sold/Closed)

The Mountain Division, which extends from Tacoma to Frederickson where it branches to serve McKenna and Eatonville/Morton respectively, was originally constructed by Milwaukee Road. This 97-mile track is owned by the City of Tacoma and operated by Tacoma Rail under contract, using the TRMW reporting mark to denote its operations as a distinct railroad entity. The City of Tacoma acquired this line on August 12, 1994, after usage by the 2nd Chehalis Western Railroad.

At its peak, the division provided service to as many as 14 customers, predominantly located in the Frederickson area. Additionally, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad leased the segment from Eatonville to Morton for passenger excursions.

Due to a significant decline in the customer base, with only one remaining as of 2023, Tacoma Rail sold the Mountain Division to WRL, now operating as Rainier Rail with the RNIR reporting marks. However, the City of Tacoma retains ownership of the approximately six-mile stretch from Tacoma to Frederickson within city limits, aside from a one-mile section transferred to Sound Transit for its Lakewood Subdivision commuter and passenger train operations. Tacoma Rail intends to abandon just under five miles of the remaining track, which includes the most challenging and costly section to maintain featuring a 3.75% grade and two significant bridges over the BNSF/UP lines and the Puyallup River, both erected in 1917 by Milwaukee Road.

Rainier Rail plans to repurpose their portion of the Mountain Division north of Frederickson for railcar storage, despite some sidings requiring substantial refurbishments to be operational. The division has been effectively severed by derailers at 72nd and McKinley, marking the city limits, and currently, all crossing signals south of this point have been deactivated, rendering the line idle as of late 2023.

Economic Impact

Tacoma Rail’s contributions to the regional economy are substantial. By providing reliable and cost-effective rail transportation, the railroad supports numerous industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and logistics. The seamless movement of goods facilitated by Tacoma Rail helps businesses reduce transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and expand their market reach.

The railroad’s role in the Port of Tacoma is particularly noteworthy. As a critical link between the port and the national rail network, Tacoma Rail ensures that goods flowing through the port reach their final destinations efficiently. This not only bolsters international trade but also creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in the region.

Tacoma Rail is also an essential partner for freight railroads like BNSF and Union Pacific. By providing local switching services, Tacoma Rail enables these major rail carriers to streamline their operations and allocate resources more effectively. This collaboration helps maintain fluid rail traffic and reduces congestion, benefiting both freight railroads and their customers.

All-Time Roster

Conclusion

Tacoma Rail’s rich history, robust operations, and impactful contributions to the regional economy underscore its significance as a short line railroad.

Through continuous innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to excellence, Tacoma Rail has cemented its role as a vital transportation provider in Washington State.

As it looks to the future, the railroad remains dedicated to serving its customers, supporting economic growth, and embracing sustainable practices. In doing so, Tacoma Rail will continue to be a key driver of progress and prosperity for the region.