NEWS RELEASE – May 25, 2023
Growth of the state-supported service expected to continue through the summer
RICHMOND — Ridership on the Commonwealth’s Amtrak Virginia service set another record in April the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced today. With 107,929 passengers traveling, April 2023 saw a 53.2% increase over April 2022. It was the highest ridership seen in April since state-supported service began in 2009. All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw an increase in ridership year-over-year for the month of April.
April 2023 vs April 2022 Comparison
| Route | April 2023 | April 2022 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 46 Roanoke | 27,429 | 19,605 | +39.9% |
| Route 47 Newport News | 29,945 | 16,519 | +81.3% |
| Route 50 Norfolk | 39,197 | 26,195 | +49.6% |
| Route 51 Richmond | 11,358 | 8,114 | +40.0% |
| Total | 107,929 | 70,433 | +53.2% |
NOTE: April 2023 ridership includes eight daily roundtrips, up from just five in April 2022. Last July three roundtrips were added – one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk, the third, to Newport News, was the resumption of service cancelled due to the pandemic.
“The growth in ridership that we have consistently seen over the past year confirms that rail is a necessary part of the transportation mix in Virginia,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “With the additional roundtrips we launched last summer, we anticipated an increase in ridership, and Virginians have responded in record numbers – proof that the convenience of train travel makes it more attractive than sitting in traffic or flying on a crowded plane.”
Summer Travel
Start the busy summer travel season with a trip on board Amtrak Virginia. With service to 17 stations in the Commonwealth and Washington, DC, and special discounts just for Virginians, Amtrak Virginia is the best way to travel this summer.
- Virginia Anytime Fares offer a 15% discount for travel within Virginia and to/from Washington, D.C. From the Amtrak app, use discount code V552.
- Small groups can travel together and save with Share Fares.
- Students between the ages of 17 and 24 can take advantage of the Student Discount. Also available on the Amtrak app with discount code V814.
- Discounts are also available for seniors, veterans and active duty military.
- Terms and conditions apply. To learn more or book online, visit com/Virginia.
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.
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