[mersar]

Actually ended up parking in the EasyPark lot across from Main Street Skytrain station, came to $48 for the 4 days and not a worry when I got back.

As for the question about customs, its currently:

Going south:
1. Pre-clearance at Pacific Central before boarding, including bags being put through the scanner (checked luggage is collected post customs before you board)
2. Quick questioning by US border agents on the train at the former Blaine train station, the three we had go through just drove over from the actual border station then drove off as we pulled back out

Going north:
1. Nothing at the border, you collect your checked luggage as you get off the train, then wait in line and go through Canadian customs inside Pacific Central, this is just a couple quick questions and handing over your declaration form


Overall I'd say the service is a good thing, going down to Seattle on the early train (6:40am departure from Van) the train was probably 90% sold, coming back from Seattle on the earlier train (depart Seattle 7:40am) onwards it was over 100%, they actually ran out of seats so some people made the trip sitting in the dining car (most in here were for some of the stops between Seattle and the border though). They are using the Talco's for all the runs now, which was nice as they are a pretty decent carset, they actually look older then the date on the plaque inside says due to the choice of molded plastic and brown curtains. Having the full cafe car was also nice, a few people opted to enjoy having the bar as a few were drinking soon after we pulled out of Seattle.