Skip to content

    Miss Virginia Volunteer to travel the Commonwealth on board Amtrak Virginia

    NEWS RELEASE – May 25, 2023 The Trains and Tiaras Tour to focus on volunteerism RICHMOND — Amtrak Virginia is promoting volunteerism and community connection across the Commonwealth through a partnership with the Miss Virginia Volunteer organization and a small-town rail tour featuring 2023 Miss Virginia Volunteer Kate Clatterbuck. The Trains and Tiaras Tour kicks off on Saturday, May 27 at 9:30am with a public event at Kemper Street Station in Lynchburg. The tour will feature Miss Virginia Volunteer visiting local communities to promote volunteerism and empowerment, all while traveling with the ease and comfort of Amtrak Virginia. During the Trains and Tiaras Tour, Kate will travel on board the state-supported Amtrak Virginia service and will stop in Lynchburg, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond, and Newport News – visiting eight communities in five days. While in each community she will participate in a volunteer activity, sample local cuisine, and meet with local leaders interested in community connectedness and volunteerism. From volunteering at an organization supporting local veterans to making dinner for sick children, Kate will roll up her sleeves and dive right in. “As we commemorate Celebrate Transportation Day in Virginia, we are very happy to have Miss Virginia Volunteer travel the state by rail and enrich the communities Amtrak Virginia serves,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “We look forward to having her on board as we both work towards a common goal — to connect the communities of the Commonwealth.” Amtrak Virginia service began in 2009 with one-roundtrip between Washington, DC and our first tour host, Lynchburg. In 2017 that service was extended to Roanoke, and last summer a second roundtrip was launched on the route. Ridership on the service set a record in April with 107,929 passengers traveling, 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. The economic impact of the Amtrak Virginia service is seen in the $141,000,000 Amtrak spent on goods and services in the Commonwealth in FY2021. That was in addition to the $90,000,000 in wages earned by Virginians employed by Amtrak. “The City of Lynchburg is proud to host Kate Clatterbuck to launch the Amtrak Virginia Trains & Tiaras Tour with Miss Virginia Volunteer and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority,” said Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie T. Reed. “Our beautiful historic train station offers daily Amtrak service, making it easy to travel for both business and leisure. Our Amtrak station supports travel and tourism in the City of Lynchburg, promoting Lynchburg as a dynamic place to live, go to work, attend college.” While on board the Trains and Tiaras Tour, Miss Virginia Volunteer will enjoy all of the amenities available on Amtrak — free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices, Quiet Cars for those who want a library-like environment to work, read or doze, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat, not to mention the café car. “We are delighted Miss Virginia Volunteer is taking Amtrak for a tour through Virginia,” said Jeff Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Supported Services. “This journey will highlight how traveling by train allows customers to avoid traffic congestion while safely and reliably connecting with local communities.” The Miss Virginia Volunteer pageant supports a mission to educate and empower young women across Virginia through workshops, seminars, scholarships, and volunteerism. This year’s Miss Virginia Volunteer, Kate Clatterbuck, hails from Danville and is a 2022 graduate of Roanoke College. She is the founder of “PowHERful Voices Initiative” and the “She. We. Me” program that addresses the gender disparity in Virginia’s History Standards of Learning for K-12 education. Since being crowned in August, Kate has traveled the state, advocating for volunteerism. “Rail travel has been essential to economic growth since the construction of the Transcontinental railroad in 1845. Today, it’s a convenient, hassle-free, and reliable means of travel in a hectic world,” said Vickie Runk, Executive Director of Miss Virginia Volunteer Organization. “Miss Virginia Volunteer is so happy to be partnering with our friends at Amtrak Virginia. Lynchburg is privileged to have a gorgeous station on Kemper Street, restored in 2002. As owners of a hospitality firm in Central Virginia, as well, we happily provide shuttles to and from the station and encourage our guests to enjoy this nostalgic form of travel.” Amtrak Virginia worked with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and boots-on-the-ground Destination Marketing Organizations to help create the local itineraries for the Trains and Tiaras Tour, which will introduce Kate to local hot spots and treasures. “Traveling by train is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to visit Virginia,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Many of the Commonwealth’s most popular destinations are directly accessible by rail, making it a quick and convenient getaway for visitors.” For more information on booking a trip on Amtrak Virginia, please visit www.amtrak.com/Virginia. Follow Kate’s journey on Instagram @AmtrakVA and Facebook @AmtrakVirginia. 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. ###  

    Amtrak Virginia sets another ridership record in April

    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 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. ###

    Looking to visit colleges in Virginia? Travel by Train

    NEWS RELEASE – May 10, 2023 Amtrak Virginia offers service to colleges and universities RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC — With summer right around the corner, Amtrak and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) are inviting students and their parents to skip traffic jams and hop on board the train for an adventure to visit colleges and universities located in cities within the Commonwealth and in Washington, D.C. A comfortable way to visit college towns, Amtrak Virginia travels to more than 20 institutions of higher learning along four corridors – Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke – and customers can continue with a same-seat trip to Washington, D.C., and other cities in the Northeast. “There’s no better way to travel to our colleges and universities than to skip the car and travel on our state-supported trains,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Whether it’s for those early college tours or trips home once a student has enrolled, Amtrak Virginia can be a part of the college experience.” Amtrak offers easy and convenient travel between city centers, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), Quiet Cars for those who want a library-like environment to work, read or doze, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat. “Making a college visit and touring the campus are important in a student’s decision to apply to a school,” said Jeff Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Supported Services. “We’re happy to aid the process by offering a safe, comfortable and sustainable way to travel to explore these educational opportunities.” 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. Additional discounts are available for students and small groups. Terms and conditions apply. To learn more or book online, visit Amtrak.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. 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. ###   Colleges and Universities near Amtrak Virginia corridors: The Roanoke service makes stops in these college towns: Roanoke – Home to Hollins University and Roanoke College Lynchburg – Home to Liberty University and the University of Lynchburg Charlottesville – Home to the University of Virginia   On the Newport News service, visit these towns and schools: Williamsburg – Home to the College of William & Mary Newport News – Home to Christopher Newport University   Take the Norfolk service to visit: Petersburg – Home to Virginia State University Norfolk – Home to Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University   On the Newport News, Norfolk & Richmond services you can travel to: Fredericksburg – Home to the University of Mary Washington Ashland – Home to Randolph Macon College Richmond – Home to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, and Virginia Union University   Other Virginia schools that have Amtrak Virginia service nearby include: George Mason University in Fairfax and Marymount University in Arlington – Take the Newport News, Norfolk or Richmond services to Alexandria and use Metro or a rideshare to travel to both campuses. Regent University in Virginia Beach and Hampton University in Hampton – Take the Norfolk or Newport News services then transfer to Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service to Virginia Beach. Virginia Tech – Take the Roanoke service then transfer to a Thruway bus connection to Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, VA (BLK), operated by Valley Metro’s SmartWay.  Also, with planned future expansion to the New River Valley (Christiansburg), Amtrak Virginia will offer service that includes a stop near Radford and one that is even closer to Virginia Tech. All four Amtrak Virginia routes make a stop in Washington, DC, home to even more colleges and universities including Howard University, Georgetown University, American University, Gallaudet University, Catholic University and George Washington University.  With service from Virginia up the East Coast, Amtrak Virginia makes taking the train a great way to visit colleges and universities from Washington, DC to points north.  

    VPRA Seeking Construction Partners for Long Bridge Project

    NEWS RELEASE – March 29, 2023 Request for Qualifications is milestone for Commonwealth’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified design-build teams for the north end of the Long Bridge Project.  This milestone represents a major step in moving forward the largest project in the Commonwealth’s Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. The Long Bridge Project-North Package RFQ will utilize the Progressive Design Build (PDB) project delivery method. A national model for passenger and freight rail agreements, TRV is a 10-year initiative through which the Commonwealth will acquire railroad corridors and upgrade them, increasing rail capacity with a portfolio of capital projects designed to improve reliability and increase rail service in Virginia.  Through TRV, the Commonwealth will: double the state-supported Amtrak service between Washington, DC and Richmond, resulting in near-hourly service along this corridor; increase Amtrak service to Roanoke, Newport News, and Norfolk; extend Amtrak service from Roanoke to the New River Valley (Christiansburg) and construct a new passenger station and platform; and increase VRE Fredericksburg Line service by 75 percent and add new late-night and weekend service. The current Long Bridge – a 117-year-old railroad bridge – regularly operates at 98 percent capacity and is a chokepoint for rail traffic along the east coast.  Additional capacity is necessary to meet future demand. The overall VPRA-led Long Bridge Project, which consists of two procurement packages, a North Package and a South Package, will construct a new railroad bridge crossing the Potomac River, adjacent to the existing Long Bridge, connecting Virginia to Washington, DC. The new bridge will be a modern two-track bridge and will allow for the separation of passenger and freight rail traffic, improving trip times and on-time performance for both along the corridor. “The Long Bridge Project-North Package RFQ represents the beginning of a generational project to change transportation in the Commonwealth,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Building this bridge and all of the accompanying infrastructure is vital for the future of not just rail travel, but all travel on the east coast because it will add capacity for passenger rail and for freight rail and will lessen the burden on the congested I-95 corridor.  It will increase mobility in Virginia and through Virginia, all along the east coast.” The Long Bridge Project-North Package RFQ is the first step of a two-step procurement process for final design and construction of the project.  As a first step, teams provide their qualifications and VPRA will create a shortlist of the most qualified firms.  As the second step, shortlisted teams will submit full proposals to design and construct the project. The North Package does not include the construction of the new bridge over the river but encompasses the area from the new bridge’s northern abutment moving north to L’Enfant interlocking near L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC.  This package includes the construction of a number of smaller bridges within the project footprint, including: a new rail bridge over the WMATA Portal/I-395; the replacement of the existing two-track Ohio Drive SW Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge; the replacement of the existing two-track Washington Channel Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge; the replacement of the existing two-track Maine Avenue SW Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge; and the replacement of the Maine Avenue SW Pedestrian Bridge.   Red line indicates Long Bridge Project-North Package No work in the Potomac River is anticipated to be included in the Long Bridge Project–North Package.  Submissions are due on or before May 5, 2023 at 2pm Eastern time.  The RFQ is available on the VPRA website.   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 the state’s Amtrak Virginia 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.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org. ###

    Ridership on Virginia’s State-Supported Trains Continues to Set Records

    NEWS RELEASE – March 10, 2023 Virginia is for Rail Lovers RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) today announced that January ridership on the Commonwealth’s Amtrak service set a record for the month of January. During the month, 87,300 passengers traveled, setting a record for the highest ridership in January since the Commonwealth launched state-supported service in September of 2009. January’s ridership topped the previous record for the month which was set in (pre-pandemic) 2020. January 2023 vs January 2020 Comparison When comparing this year’s January ridership to last year’s, the numbers show a strong rebound in post-pandemic travel, with every route seeing an increase. January 2023 vs January 2022 Comparison NOTE: Ridership declined in January 2022 due to a surge in the Covid-19 Omicron variant. “The strength of these January ridership numbers – during what is usually a slow travel month – shows that demand for rail service across the Commonwealth continues to grow,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “It also reveals that more and more travelers are looking for alternatives and will choose rail when the service is reliable, safe, and on time.” January’s numbers follow a strong year for the Commonwealth’s Amtrak Virginia service with 1,021,452 passengers traveling on all state-supported trains for calendar year 2022 – which set a record for yearly ridership as it surpassed the previous record of 953,008 set in 2019. During the year VPRA and Amtrak launched two additional roundtrips – one between Roanoke and Washington, DC and one between Norfolk and Washington, DC – and, also resumed one roundtrip between Newport News and Washington, DC that had been discontinued due to the pandemic. The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported passenger rail service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg. Since that time, the state’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. All four routes provide service within Virginia and to Washington, DC and points north including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. 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 the state’s Amtrak Virginia 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. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org. ###

    Travel on Amtrak to Virginia Wine Expo at the Main Street Station in Richmond, Va.

    NEWS RELEASE – February 8, 2023 Customers can receive discount on tickets for select events RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC – Amtrak and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) are offering a convenient and comfortable way to travel to Richmond to attend the 2023 Virginia Wine Expo February 25–March 5. The expo’s signature events will take place at the Main Street Station in downtown Richmond. Amtrak Northeast Regional trains offer direct service to the Main Street Station from Newport News, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and as far north as Boston. Amtrak Virginia is a sponsor of the expo, which gives visitors an opportunity to sample wine, spirits and ciders from wineries in the Commonwealth. Customers who travel to Richmond on Amtrak for the event between March 1–5 are eligible to receive 25% off tickets for events at Main Street Station by using use the Amtrak Virginia Wine Expo discount code, VWEAmtrak25. “We welcome the opportunity to introduce rail travel to a new audience and provide a convenient travel option to this year’s Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “Partnering with the expo, we are able to bring wine enthusiasts from throughout Virginia and points beyond to enjoy Virginia’s best wines and local cuisine at historic Main Street Station.” Amtrak offers easy and convenient travel between city centers, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), Quiet Cars for those who want a library-like environment to work, read or doze, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat. 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. “Amtrak is a great way to travel to Richmond and experience cultural activities and events without worrying about highway traffic congestion,” said Jeff Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Supported Services. VPRA supports four Amtrak Northeast Regional trains that provide daily service to Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Roanoke and a same-seat trip to other cities in the Northeast. Amtrak restored service to Main Street Station in 2003. The station is a National Historic Landmark located in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom district. Ridership on these Virginia trains is up significantly — more than it was pre-pandemic — making the Commonwealth one of the most popular travel destinations on the Amtrak network. For more information about the Virginia Wine Expo, visit VirginiaWineExpo.com. 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 the state’s Amtrak Virginia 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.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org. About Amtrak® For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides 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. CONTACTS: Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Karina Romero 804.401.7912 [email protected] Amtrak Media Relations Kimberly Woods 202 906.3860 [email protected]

    Virginia Receives Federal Funding for Rail Projects

    NEWS RELEASE – January 17, 2023 Will aid in growing demand for rail RICHMOND — Late last month Congress passed FY2023 Government Funding Legislation with nearly $200 million to Virginia in Congressionally-Directed Spending to fund local community projects. Among the transportation projects to receive funding are two sponsored by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). These projects — the New River Valley Passenger Service Extension and the Newport News Transportation Center — received $3.2 million, combined, in dedicated federal funding. These state-supported rail projects will positively impact Amtrak Virginia’s rail service that continues to set records. Ridership in November 2022 topped 112,800 passengers, a 37.7% increase over (pre-pandemic) 2019, and the highest November ridership since Virginia launched its state-supported service in 2009. “The support rail received in this legislation shows bipartisan support for including rail as a part of our transportation network,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “Here in the Commonwealth, we are working to not only provide high-quality passenger rail service and facilities to communities we currently serve, such as Newport News, but to expand service to communities that currently do not have rail service like the New River Valley. With ridership continuing to grow there is a definite need for more rail options.” The New River Valley Passenger Extension received $2 million to support the extension of passenger rail from Roanoke through the New River Valley to Christiansburg for the first time since 1979. The project began with the Western Rail Initiative Agreement between VPRA and Norfolk Southern through which the Commonwealth purchased 28 miles of right-of-way and tracks along the V Line from Salem Crossovers west of Roanoke to Merrimac (Christiansburg). VPRA plans to improve the existing rail infrastructure including track and signal upgrades, which will allow for passenger rail service to the New River Valley as soon as 2026. It is estimated that the new service will draw 77,300 to 87,100 passengers per year to the future New River Valley station stop. In addition, the Newport News Transportation Center received $1.2 million from the legislation. This initiative is a new, $47 million multi-modal facility that will serve Amtrak – including two state-supported roundtrips daily, with a third roundtrip coming in 2026 per agreements between VPRA, CSX, and Amtrak – as well as taxis, expanded bus service and shuttles to and from the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport. It will offer modern amenities, more parking, and will be energy efficient as well as being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Construction on the center began in July 2020, and it is expected to welcome its first travelers in late 2023. The center represents a partnership between the City of Newport News, VPRA, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). For more information on these and all of VPRA’s projects, please visit our website at vapassengerrailauthority.org.   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. ###