I think it's a cool deal! Last time I took the train down (few years ago) and didn't have the deal. You can arrange rental car pickup at the portland train station.
Any hotel recommendation?
This makes Portland so much closer, just worked out the math with my gf... It's still cheaper to take train to Portland, and rent a vehicle to visit places like Woodburn and southern Oregon.
$34.50 x 2 x 1.11 = $76.59Cnd per person.
So compare gas cost to Portland, it depends on the milage of your car. I will leave it to some other lyk.
But from my memory, I won't say it will save you $ but it will save you enegry for the trip. Having fun touring around Portland at arrival (~3pm) is still possible if you take the train. But if you are the driver for the trip, I don't think he/she can manage to do much after such long drive. (IMO but may be cos I am not young and full of enegry any more)