Virginia and Amtrak Commemorate New Daily Roundtrip to Norfolk

NEWS RELEASE July 12, 2022 Event hosted at Norfolk Station RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak today hosted an event to celebrate the launch of a third roundtrip between Norfolk and Washington, DC. The new frequencies both depart mid-afternoon, arriving at their destinations in the early evening. The new northbound departs Norfolk at 1:00pm and arrives in Washington at 5:37pm. The new southbound departs Washington at 12:05pm and arrives in Norfolk at 4:47pm. After departing Norfolk, the Amtrak Northeast Regional service makes stops at Petersburg, Richmond, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, and Alexandria before arriving in Washington. In addition to the Norfolk service, VPRA and Amtrak are also resuming a roundtrip frequency between Newport News and Washington that had been suspended due to the pandemic. “More than 154,000 passengers have traveled on the Norfolk service so far this fiscal year,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “With the addition of a frequency to Norfolk and the resumption of another roundtrip to Newport News, Virginians now have even more rail options when traveling from the Hampton Roads region to points north, including Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and even Boston.” “Amtrak is proud to partner with Virginia to bring more passenger rail service to Norfolk and mark another significant milestone in the growth of passenger rail in the Commonwealth,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “Additional train service in this region is a vital and attractive alternative for students, business and leisure travelers, residents and the military bound for Washington, D.C., and points north.” “CSX is proud of our long-term partnership with the Commonwealth and Amtrak to enhance passenger and freight rail service across Virginia,” said Randy Marcus, director of state relations for CSX. “This is the latest example of how collaborative partnerships can improve service for all rail users and ease congestion in Virginia while strengthening the local, state and regional economy.” “This new roundtrip between Norfolk and the nation’s capital is another step in our historic Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard “Shep” Miller III. “Watching rail ridership grow on our state-supported trains, it is evident that Virginians see rail as a viable transportation option. This new service will provide a valuable mid-day option and will provide long-term economic benefits for every community served. I thank our partners at VPRA, CSX, and Amtrak for their efforts to improve rail service in the Commonwealth.” “As the nation’s largest intercity passenger rail service, Amtrak is a valuable partner to the Commonwealth in accomplishing its mission of connecting Virginians and communities and expanding its multimodal services,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board. “Working together with CSX to enhance operations along this corridor, Virginia is moving forward on its pursuit of improving the freight and passenger rail networks to help relieve congestion, save lives, improve air quality, and grow the economy.” “I want to thank Amtrak for their commitment to providing the third roundtrip train from Norfolk to Washington, D.C. to meet the increasing demand for passenger rail service in the region,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. “This important connection adds additional options for our residents and businesses and is in line with Norfolk’s goal of being the most multi-model city in the Commonwealth.” In April and May of 2022, ridership on the Norfolk Route surpassed the record ridership in the same months in 2019. Comparing year-to-date ridership for the month of April with that of pre-pandemic numbers, the Norfolk service is up 14.5% with 26,195 passengers traveling in April of 2022 compared to 22,874 in April of 2019. In May those numbers grew even more with 28,052 passengers traveling in May of 2022 versus 22,045 in May of 2019, a 27.2% increase in ridership. Tickets for all of the new frequencies are now available for purchase on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-Rail. 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 passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership. 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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Virginia and Amtrak Celebrate Increased Daily Service to Roanoke

NEWS RELEASE July 11, 2022 Events held at the Alexandria and Roanoke Stations July 11, 2022 RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak today celebrated the start of a new daily roundtrip between Washington, DC and Roanoke with events in Alexandria and Roanoke. With this new frequency Virginians now have two roundtrips to choose from when traveling between Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the nation’s capital. The new roundtrip departs Washington at 8:05am, arriving in Roanoke at 1:00pm. The return trip departs Roanoke at 4:30pm and arrives in Washington at 9:28pm. The service includes stops in Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. “With a 7.8% increase in ridership on the Roanoke route in May compared to May of last year, it’s clear that Virginians in the Blue Ridge region value rail as a transportation option,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “This second roundtrip will provide more flexibility for those traveling to and from Washington and points north, including Philadelphia, New York, and even Boston.” “Amtrak is proud to partner with Virginia to bring more service to this mountain city and mark another significant milestone in the growth of passenger rail in the Commonwealth,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “Traveling by train is an attractive option for residents who want to venture out on our national network and for people who want to visit the area and explore a vibrant downtown, outdoor amenities and endless trails.” “Together, we have reached an agreement that expands access for passengers and preserves an important link in the supply chain for businesses that rely on freight rail,” NS Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan said. “The partnership of our government leaders was critical to making this plan a reality and we appreciate their commitment to the people and economy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.” “I commend VPRA, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak on their diligent work to launch this additional roundtrip to Roanoke, at a time when travelers need it the most,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard “Shep” Miller III. “As traffic in the Commonwealth continues to grow, it’s clear that we need smart options to meet the transportation needs of all Virginians. By increasing rail service to and from the Blue Ridge, we are providing another option and making travel through the Commonwealth easier and more cost-effective.” “As the nation’s largest intercity passenger rail service, Amtrak is a valuable partner to the Commonwealth in accomplishing its mission of connecting Virginians and communities and expanding its multimodal services,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board. “Working together with Norfolk Southern to enhance operations along this corridor, Virginia is moving forward on its pursuit of improving the freight and passenger rail networks to help relieve congestion, save lives, improve air quality, and grow the economy.” “We are excited to see a second roundtrip passenger rail service added to the City of Roanoke!” said Sherman P. Lea, Sr., Mayor of Roanoke. “It is important that we are able to offer a convenient and affordable travel option to our city residents and surrounding communities and encouraging to see the increased ridership in Roanoke.” The Western Rail Agreement, which made this new roundtrip possible, was signed by VPRA and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) late last month. With this agreement, the Commonwealth acquired approximately 28 miles of Norfolk Southern-owned “V-line” right-ofway from Christiansburg to the Salem Crossovers including the passenger easement between Salem Crossovers and the Roanoke station platform. Future plans include the expansion of service into the New River Valley. Rail service returned to Roanoke in 2017 when Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service was extended from Lynchburg to Roanoke. Since that time more than 210,000 passengers have traveled to and from the Star City of the South on the train. In April and May of 2022 ridership on the Roanoke Route surpassed the record ridership of the same months in 2019. April saw an increase of 3,3% with 19,605 passengers traveling in April of 2022 compared to 18,984 in April of 2022. In May of 2022 21,059 passengers traveled versus 19,535 in May of 2019, a 7.8% increase. Tickets are now available for purchase on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800- USA-Rail. 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 passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership. 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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. ### Contact: Karina Romero, VPRA 804-401-7912 Kimberly Woods, Amtrak 202-906-3860  

Virginia and Norfolk Southern Announce Closing of Western Rail Initiative Agreement

NEWS RELEASE June 30, 2022 Will Expand Passenger Rail to Virginia’s Blue Ridge June 30, 2022 RICHMOND & ATLANTA— The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the financial closing of the Western Rail Initiative Agreement which will expand passenger rail service from Washington, DC to Roanoke, Va. and to the New River Valley.

VPRA Awarded Federal Grant for Petersburg Station Upgrades

NEWS RELEASE – June 7, 2022 Photo Courtesy of Christopher Ziemnowicz Will make station ADA-compliant RICHMOND— The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a $6.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to make upgrades to Petersburg’s Ettrick train station located in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The grant, part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants program, will fund substantial enhancements to the passenger experience including improvements to the station building, parking, and lighting. ADA accessibility will be improved from the parking lot to the station and from the station to the platform and trains.A new 850-foot platform will be constructed to provide passengers with safe access to trains. Other projects include the replacement of the canopy over the platform, a new wheelchair lift enclosure, and a covered walkway. Inside the station, projects include a new ticket window, lighting repairs, and new restroom doors. All interior and exterior signage will also be replaced. “At VPRA, our mission is to increase the quality of rail services for all passengers to make us a reliable transportation option for all, including those with physical impairments,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “We have worked closely with the FRA and Amtrak to make plans for Ettrick Station that will utilize our grant money to offer additional accommodations, truly enhancing Virginian’s lives and travel options.” “It is a great day for the community of Ettrick. The improvements to the train station will enhance the area while we work to increase future ridership,” said Kevin Carroll, Chesterfield Board of Supervisor for Matoaca District. “We appreciate the support of our federal delegation to see these additional monies come to Chesterfield and help improve an important transportation asset in our community.” The total budget for all station upgrades is $10.6 million with $6.4 million coming from the CRISI grant and the remaining funding to be provided by VPRA. Current plans call for construction to begin in 2024 and continue through 2025. When complete, the upgrades are expected to attract 10,050 new passengers to the Petersburg station. The Ettrick Station serves 30,000 passengers per year with six roundtrips trains daily. Two roundtrips are Virginia-sponsored service with a third roundtrip scheduled to begin this summer. Petersburg provides a link to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor with service to Richmond, Washington, DC and points north including New York City and Boston. It also connects to the Southeast Rail Corridor and planned improvements to the Ettrick platform will allow for the future installation of a third track to accommodate potential additional frequencies between Richmond to Raleigh. VPRA is working throughout the Commonwealth to improve and expand the rail options available to Virginians. Currently the state supports Amtrak service to Richmond, Roanoke, Norfolk, and Newport News. Ridership on these services was up 26.7 percent in April 2022, compared to March with a total of 70,433 passengers traveling. Ridership on the Norfolk routes, which stop in Petersburg, exceeded April 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels. 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 passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership. ###  

Virginia and North Carolina Announce $58 Million Grant to Improve Rail Corridor Between Richmond and Raleigh

NEWS RELEASE June 2, 2022 Part of the federally designated Southeast Rail Corridor RICHMOND – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) today announced that they have been awarded a $58 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of the states’ Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) Corridor Infrastructure Engineering & Safety Program.

Amtrak Virginia Train Exhibit Opens at Children’s Museum of Richmond

NEWS RELEASE – April 25, 2022 Educating children about train reliability, convenience, connection, and sustainability ~ RICHMOND – Calling all future engineers, conductors, and train enthusiasts! The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is excited to announce the launch of its new interactive train exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. The Amtrak Virginia Train exhibit aims to raise the next generation of train travelers through creative exploration and play.

Ready for Spring Break? $10 Fares Available for Travel Within Virginia on Amtrak Northeast Regional

NEWS RELEASE – April 5, 2022 Customers can explore cities in the Commonwealth WASHINGTON – Customers looking to visit somewhere new or with family or friends this spring can purchase a $10 Coach ticket to travel on the Northeast Regional within Virginia. The limited-time sale is available to purchase from April 5 – 9, and valid for travel between April 7 – May 26, 2022.  The sale is also valid for travel on the Northeast Regional from cities in Virginia to Washington, D.C. 

Governor Northam Announces Definitive Agreement with Norfolk Southern to Expand Passenger Rail Service to Southwest Virginia

NEWS RELEASE – January 13, 2022 On the way: Second Round Trip to Roanoke, Expansion into New River Valley CONTACTS: Office of the Governor [email protected] Department of Rail and Public Transportation Haley Glynn [email protected], (804) 351-6647 RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam today announced the Commonwealth has finalized the definitive agreement with Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) to expand passenger rail service to the New River Valley for the first time since 1979. The Western Rail Initiative expands passenger rail service to the New River Valley and complements Governor Northam’s historic $3.7 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia program, the Commonwealth’s roadmap for building a 21st-century rail network. The agreement was executed following authorization from the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board of Directors. “Transforming Rail in Virginia is an investment not only in our rail system, but also in the residents and businesses along the corridor and in the New River Valley,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Together with our partners at Norfolk Southern, we are making essential improvements that modernize our transportation infrastructure and connect communities across the Commonwealth. We look forward to continuing this important work to help move people and goods efficiently, reduce congestion and pollution, fuel tourism, and drive economic growth.” An historic investment in Southwest Virginia’s rail network, the Western Rail Initiative will add a second state-supported round-trip train between Roanoke and Boston later this year, which will be extended to the New River Valley upon completion of a new station, track and signal improvements. The agreement also allows for a third train to operate in the future between Roanoke and the New River Valley. The expanded intercity rail service, which will create significant economic benefits and provide additional multimodal options for travelers along the Interstate 81 and Route 29 corridor, is expected to add approximately 80,000 new passengers in the first year after service is extended to the New River Valley. Further, the agreement preserves the existing freight rail service provided on the lines – helping to move the goods and materials for the Commonwealth’s economy. In an agreement with Norfolk Southern, the Commonwealth is acquiring approximately 28 miles of the Norfolk Southern-owned “V line” right-of-way and existing tracks from Christiansburg to the Salem Crossovers and a passenger rail easement between the Salem Crossovers and the Amtrak Roanoke station platform. Norfolk Southern will continue to provide freight service on the line. In addition, the Commonwealth will invest in infrastructure improvements between Manassas and the Roanoke Yard to improve the reliability of passenger rail service over Norfolk Southern Railway-owned right-of-way. The acquisition and infrastructure improvements are partially funded by contributions from the I-81 Corridor Multimodal Improvements Fund, Commonwealth Rail funds, and the General Assembly’s 2021 Transportation Initiatives. The Commonwealth anticipates reaching financial close with Norfolk Southern in mid-2022. On May 5, 2021, Governor Northam announced in Christiansburg that the Commonwealth reached an initial agreement with Norfolk Southern to expand passenger rail service from Northern Virginia to Southwest Virginia. The finalization of the agreement announced today represents a major milestone that will allow construction to advance on significant rail infrastructure projects along the corridor between Manassas and the New River Valley, resulting in more frequent and more reliable passenger rail service. “This agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia is a great example of government and business partnership,” said James A. Squires, Chairman and CEO of Norfolk Southern. “Together, we have created a path forward to increase passenger rail service and ensure that freight rail customers continue to move the goods that power our economy. Importantly, this will yield economic dividends from Northern to Southwest Virginia, both through the necessary infrastructure improvements and additional use of the rail lines.” “The Commonwealth’s historic investment in this region’s passenger rail network is a significant milestone in our commitment to elevating the economic competitiveness of Southwest Virginia,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine, who led the legislative effort to launch the first state-supported passenger train anchored in Lynchburg. “This cooperative agreement builds on the highly-successful passenger rail service in the corridor and enhances vital connectivity to the New River Valley with the rest of Virginia, adding additional transportation options for the region’s residents, tourists and college students alike.” Amtrak regional daily service in Southwest Virginia began in October 2009 with one round trip between Lynchburg and Washington, DC. During the first year of operations, ridership outperformed forecasts by more than triple. In November 2017, the Commonwealth expanded service to Roanoke, and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the route was one of the most profitable intercity passenger rail routes in the country. Based on this proven success, the Commonwealth is strategically investing in additional passenger rail service along the corridor and to Southwest Virginia. Like the current state-supported Roanoke train, the second train, for which service is expected to commence in 2022, will serve Alexandria, Burke Centre, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke and travel to and from Washington, DC, and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Finally, the agreement acknowledges the potential for a future station in Bedford. “VPRA was designed specifically to own and acquire rail infrastructure across the Commonwealth that aligns with Virginia’s transportation goals and policies to advance Virginia businesses, attract a 21st century workforce, and promote healthy communities where Virginians of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Jennifer Mitchell, VPRA Board Chair. “We value our partnership with Norfolk Southern and look forward to implementing this agreement with them to improve and expand passenger rail service.” The Commonwealth’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative is a path to connecting our communities and increasing economic opportunities through strategic investments in rail. The Commonwealth is advancing capital improvement projects, including the new Long Bridge across the Potomac; acquiring railroad track and right-of-way to provide more rail capacity; expanding high-quality, modern passenger rail service across the Commonwealth by making it more frequent, reliable, and convenient; and providing additional choice in moving people and goods efficiently across Virginia while accommodating growing travel demand. The initiative is expected to grow Virginia’s economy by more than $2 billion

The Committee of 100 Honors Transforming Rail in Virginia with a 2021 Vision Award

The Long Bridge Project, a key component of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA’s) Transforming Rail in Virginia Program, has reached a critical milestone with the advancement into the Project Development phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, under Core Capacity.

FTA Advances Project and Alexandria Fourth Track into Project Development Phase

The Project and Alexandria Fourth Track, which are key components of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA’s) Transforming Rail in Virginia Program, have reached a critical milestone with the advancement into the Project Development phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Core Capacity program. This important step grants VPRA pre-award authority for reimbursable Project Development activities.