It would be great if it can be done. However, there are many other aspects that need to be considered for a project like this other than Green (e.g. political, social, security.....issues between two countries.)

The city is very supportive of faster, more frequent, and more reliable inter-regional train service. However, implementation is challenging, since it requires the support and coordination of multiple agencies and levels of government on both sides of the border.

While bullet train-type service may not be feasible given the corridor's curvy nature, there is a lot of room for improvement, and it should be possible to develop a service that competes favourably time-wise to driving.

The recent addition of a second Amtrak train to Seattle has been very successful to date, providing an attractive and more environmentally-friendly long distance commuting option, and generating high ridership in the process. Unfortunately it is under threat of cancellation due to the imposition of $550,000 in annual border inspection fees, despite generating an estimated $11.8 million in economic benefits to the province.

Click the following links to learn more:

http://thetyee.ca/News/2009/05/27/RailMyth/

http://www.geoffmeggs.ca/2010/08/03/while-vancouver-seeks-to-secure-second-amtrak-train-montreal-builds-case-for-high-speed-rail-to-new-york/

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/09/21/bc-amtrak-vancouver-seattle-portland.html

http://transportactionbc.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/take-action-to-save-amtrak-train/

For high-speed to work, there needs to be established rail. Right now, the Amtrak train running between Seattle runs twice a day, and volumes have been picking up. The 2nd train looks like it may be cancelled due to border charges:
http://communities.canada.com/VANCOUVERSUN/blogs/civiclee/archive/2010/09/21/second-seattle-vancouver-amtrak-passenger-train-politically-derailed.aspx
If we can't make a regular train work, high-speed will still be a dream in the future. Lobby your MPs or take a ride on the train.

Also, to be realistic, the geography and existing routes make high speeds very difficult.

I love this idea. However, I'm thinking it would be very costly.

Must!!!!!!

Love it!!! Me and many of my co-workers and friends head down to u.s for business usually once a week. Not only would this train cut the travel time down by 80% but it would also encourage much more business between not only vancouver and seattle but the u.s and canada too.

I think this would be fabulous! It would not only one of Vancouvers Green Capiltal goals but it would cover a couple (Create Green Jobs, Reduce Green House Gas Emissions and Improve Air quality)

This is a must! not only will it create jobs and be a green transportation choice but it will be safer too! Last month driving to seattle I saw 5 accidents! 5!!!!!!! High Speed Rail is one of the safest modes of transport in the world!!

Beautiful idea! It could eventually link to the California high-speed rail system as well, so you could do say, Vancouver to LA with zero emissions!
I don't think starting it downtown is feasible though, starting from YVR and heading south would be great, let the Canada Line service downtown.

OLD tech, try a 1000 KM/hr high speed rail . China has them things on the drawing board. Vancouver is no leader in high speed rail. There are none anywhere in Canada even.

I support the idea, but have a sense that the price would put it out of the reach of many....It would be interesting to have a study done to determine the price threshold for the average person interested in the trip!