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There's a new agreement that would finally allow customs pre-clearance for train passengers planning to cross the border between Canada and the US. For Cascades passengers, this agreement would allow train passengers to clear customs at the station in Vancouver and eliminate the long stop at the Blaine border crossing.
quote:The agreement announced on Monday will permit American officials to establish customs facilities on the Canadian side of the border at highway checkpoints before the border, bus depots, train stations and marine terminals....
The new pre-clearance policy serves as an extension of the existing U.S. transborder pre-clearance facilities that are already in place at eight airports across the country, including Vancouver International Airport and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. It replaces the 2001-signed Air Transport Pre-clearance Agreement, which has reduced wait times for air passengers and the number of connections required.
Unfortunately this agreement requires Congressional approval so who knows what amendments or roadblocks will be attached to the bill before it will be approved by Congress.
yukon11 Member # 2997
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That sounds like a good idea, Vincent. Clearing customs at the Vancouver staton is very quick and no customs stop, in Blaine, would add favorably to that experience.
There was, however, an interest in a brief Cascade stop, in Blaine, to help negate the double backs for passengers with destinations just below and above the Canadian border. Also, I wonder if anything has come to the interest in restoring the historic train depot in Blaine.
Richard
sojourner Member # 3134
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The border crossing problems I've experienced have been minimal on the Cascades compared to the Adirondack and the Maple Leaf.
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