Tacoma Rail's three divisions combine to move more than 20 million feet of rail equipment over 204 miles of track; 20 million feet is roughly the distance from Tacoma to Chicago and back. That makes Tacoma Rail one of the largest short line railroads in the country and a powerful factor in the economic growth and progress of Tacoma.
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Each year, Tacoma Rail provides an inside look to all would be conductors and interested Tacoma residents by hosting an open house held in conjunction with the Port of Tacoma’s Maritime Fest. This year’s open house is on Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The open house brings hundreds of train fans, curious citizens and countless “Casey Jones” wannabes to Tacoma Rail’s offices and shops at 2601 North Frontage Road. Guests are invited to explore the rail yard and shops, tour a diesel locomotive and TFD Fire Truck and get all the stories and skinny from the helpful Tacoma Rail staff. Model train displays, food, games, give-aways, face painting, clowns and TPU’s Randy Stearnes in the game booth round out the day’s offerings. The highlight of the open house is a 45-minute ride around the Port of Tacoma in commuter rail cars.
From I-5 exit at Port of Tacoma Road, go north on Port of Tacoma Road to SR 509, turn left toward SR 509 South but keep along the railroad track to parking.
From downtown Tacoma, take SR 509 North to the Port of Tacoma Road exit, turn left onto port of Tacoma Road, turn left again toward SR 509 South but keep along the railroad track to parking.
From Northeast Tacoma, take SR 509, Marine View Drive south to the Port of Tacoma Road exit, proceed straight across Port of Tacoma Road toward SR 509 South but keep along the railroad track to parking.
Free shuttles are also available to take you from Maritime Fest to the Open House and back. For more information, go to mytpu.org or call (253) 502-8818.