NEWS RELEASE – September 23, 2024
Include refreshed snack shack and new ride app location
RICHMOND – To better meet the needs of passengers traveling to and from Richmond’s Staples Mill Station, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak have implemented a number of updates to improve passengers’ experience inside and outside the station.
To more efficiently move passengers through the station and connect them to their final destinations, there is now a new location for those using ride apps to arrive or depart the station. Effective immediately, passengers utilizing ride-sharing services, such as Lyft and Uber, will be directed to the station’s designated bus loop area for a smoother and more efficient pick-up and drop-off process. This new location, on the north side of the station will enhance the flow of passengers through the station and mitigate vehicle traffic congestion outside the station during peak hours.
“As the busiest Amtrak station in the southeast, effectively moving traffic inside and outside the station is important to the customer experience,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “These improvements will make service at Staples Mill more convenient and efficient and improve the overall experience for all travelers.”
“The Staples Mill Road Station is a major hub for customers traveling to destinations along the East Coast from Boston or Miami,” said Ray Lang, Vice President of State-Supported Services at Amtrak. “We are grateful to the partnerships to help us modernize our stations and create a safer and more welcoming environment for travelers.”
With more than 424,000 passengers traveling through the station last year, improving traffic flow and alleviating crowding around the station’s main entrance was a priority, particularly during periods of high ridership. VPRA worked with Lyft and Uber to remap the parking lot which will now direct all ride app drivers to the designated pick-up and drop-off zone.
“We’re really excited about the new pick-up and drop-off zone at Staples Mill Station. This change is all about making things easier and more convenient for riders. By reducing congestion and streamlining the process, we’re helping everyone get to where they need to go more smoothly. It’s great to work with VPRA and Amtrak on this project, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Richmond community,” said Matthew Van Name, Lyft Public Policy Manager.
In addition to the new ride app location, the snack shack inside the station received a facelift. The renovation modernized the space and was the final piece of a refresh of the interior of the station completed last year.
To further improve the experience outside the station, new LED lights have been installed throughout the station’s parking lot, building exterior, and the train platform. Designed with safety in mind, these lights will provide passengers with well-lit paths when arriving at the station or departing via the various transportation options available.
These station improvements join the list of amenities already available at the Staples Mill station including Wi-Fi, an ATM, and a staffed Amtrak ticket office. The station, which opened in 1975, serves the state-supported Amtrak Virginia service, Amtrak’s long-distance Palmetto, Silver Meteor, and Silver Star trains as well as the North Carolina state-supported Carolinian.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service. The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA. Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.
About Amtrak®
For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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