TACOMA, Wash. -- City officials and operators of the Spirit of Washington Dinner train said Wednesday that the train run will live on in Tacoma.

The dinner train had been planning to shut down on July 31 when the train's current route will disrupted to make way for revisions to I-405, causing a break in the tracks near Bellevue.

The new service will begin on Aug. 3 and run on tracks owned by Tacoma Rail.

The train's new route starts just south of the Freighthouse Square Station Platform in downtown Tacoma where passengers will board and begin their three-and-half-hour roundtrip.

"The past year has been quite tumultuous as we weighed options for relocation of the Dinner Train," Eric Temple, owner of the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train, said in a press release. "We are extremely appreciative of Tacoma's willingness to act quickly and save this community gem."

The original agreement is to run for 10 months, but if the test period is successful, a deal could be signed to run at least 20 years. Tacoma Rail officials say the run will not interfere with Sound Transit, Amtrak, or any other Tacoma rail services.

Tacoma rail says they will provide storage for the train, but there is no further cost to the city under the agreement.

The train has served 1.4 million guests over the past 15 years.

Tickets to ride the 52-mile Tacoma route are on sale now and cost between $53.99 and $83.99 per person depending upon the ride time and seating location. Fare includes a three-course gourmet meal. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-876-7245 or visit www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com

 

Awesome!! This is a great experience if you have not had the opportunity to go.

 

I made my reservations for the July 31st trip and August 4th trip. I plan on chasing the July 30th train and the August 3rd train =)