Collaboration is enhanced immeasurably by physical proximity. Though nothing can be done to move Vancouver and Seattle closer together, it is possible to shrink that distance through more efficient transportation linkages. That was the message shared by King County Executive Dow Constantine and Kevin Falcon, former Finance and Transportation Minister for the Province of B.C. Both agreed that the creation of high-speed rail through the Cascadia Corridor would be a major undertaking; however, the end result could be a game-changer for the future of the region. Accordingly, Governor Inslee set aside $1 million in his 2017 budget for a feasibility study on the high-speed rail proposal.

Other initiatives being advanced to improve cross-border transportation links include:

• Kenmore Air/Harbour Air (sea plane) direct-to-downtown flights between Vancouver and Seattle (strongly backed by Microsoft and with support of State, Provincial and Municipal governments on both sides of the border).
• Potential Amtrak discounts for members of the respective technology industry groups in Washington, Oregon, and B.C. to help increase travel and regional participation in major tech events across Cascadia.
• Potential highway improvements that could reduce traffic congestion at the B.C.-Washington border and possibly provide a dedicated lane for autonomous vehicles (just an idea at this stage).