NEWS RELEASE
September 1, 2022

Toolkits available with tips on rail safety
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is bringing rail safety to the forefront this month with a public service campaign designed to promote the importance of safety in and around trains, stations, and tracks.

The campaign kicks off today with a Proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizing Rail Safety Month in Virginia. In his proclamation, the Governor emphasizes the need for rail safety by noting that Virginia ranks 19th in the nation in the number of miles of rail with 3,000 miles across the Commonwealth.

VPRA will focus on a different aspect of rail safety each week.
Week 1 – September 1st through 10th – Grade Crossing Safety
Week 2 – September 11th through 17th – On Board Passenger Safety
Week 3 – September 18th through 24th – Rail Safety Education
Week 4 – September 25th through 30th – Pedestrian and Driver Safety

With toolkits — available online at vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety – VPRA has developed messages and communications tools for use by all Virginians. These kits include everything from safety tips to sample social media and website messaging to sample school announcements, making the campaign ready for use by employers, schools, clubs, churches, and families.

“VPRA is committed to providing safe rail travel across the Commonwealth, not just on board our trains, but also in and around our stations and tracks,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “The importance of rail safety is vital to every community as we continue to grow passenger and commuter rail service around the Commonwealth.”

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education is partnering with VPRA on this effort. “Trains can’t stop quickly. It takes a train a mile or more to come to a complete stop,” said Tracey Lamb, Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator, emphasizing the importance of public awareness of rail safety.

In addition to toolkits, VPRA will be hosting rail safety events and promoting other educational opportunities around the Commonwealth.

To reach Virginia teens, VPRA is working with Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) on a campaign focused on safe driving habits near railroad tracks. YOVASO is a statewide peer-topeer education and leadership program that promotes young driver and passenger safety.

“YOVASO is excited to partner with VPRA for rail safety month. We are including rail safety education in our Drive for Change campaign that will reach hundreds of schools and youth groups throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Mary King, YOVASO Program Administrator. “Our peer-to-peer approach puts teens in the driver’s seat to educate their classmates about rail and highway safety and influence them to be safer drivers and passengers.”

VPRA’s partnership with YOVASO and their Drive for Change campaign will educate new drivers on the importance of buckling up, slowing down, and staying safe when walking or driving around rail tracks. Participating schools will promote rail safety in September through social media, school-wide announcements, and peer advocacy. Students are encouraged to submit a Rail Safety tagline to VPRA. The winning tagline will be the theme for 2023 Rail Safety Month and be featured in Amtrak Virginia advertising. Learn more about the Drive for Change Campaign here: Drive for Change Campaign – YOVASO

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.

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NEWS RELEASE
August 30, 2022

State-supported trains see nearly 30 percent increase
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak announced today that ridership on its state-supported trains hit an all-time high in July with more than 110,000 passengers traveling. This is an increase of 28.9 percent over June of 2022 and an increase of 19.8 percent over pre-pandemic ridership in July of 2019.

VPRA launched two new roundtrips in July, one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk, with the resumption of an additional roundtrip to Newport News that had been suspended due to the pandemic. These new roundtrips provided more options for Virginians, and they responded by traveling by train. In July 110,256 passengers traveled on all four state-supported routes. Every route saw an increase in ridership with Newport News topping the list. That route with stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, Richmond Main Street Station, Williamsburg, and Newport News carried an additional 10,315 passengers in July compared to June, a 54 percent increase.

The state’s Norfolk route which includes stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, Petersburg, and Norfolk, saw the second largest increase from June to July with 40,763 passengers traveling, a 23 percent increase (+7,669). In addition to beating June, this number was also, a 36.5 percent increase over the pre-pandemic July 2019 number of 29,864.

“These numbers make it very clear – Virginians want more passenger rail to be a part of their transportation network,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “With the launch of two new roundtrips and the resumption of another, we know that rail works for the Commonwealth and look forward to further expanding service throughout the state.”

“We are encouraged by the ridership growth and enthusiasm customers have in selecting Amtrak’s state-supported Virginia service as an option for travel,” said Ray Lang, Vice President of State Supported Services at Amtrak. “We will continue to strive to give travelers the best experience possible with congestion free, frequent, convenient and reliable service.”

Service to Roanoke saw an increase of 72.1 percent in July as compared to July of last year with 27,374 passengers traveling. This route, which includes stops in Alexandria, Burke Centre, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke, also beat its pre-pandemic number with a 31.4 percent increase in July 2022 over July 2019.

The Washington, DC to Richmond route, which includes stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, and Richmond Main Street Station, continues to perform strongly with ridership of 12,848 passengers in July – an eight percent increase over June and a 26.3 percent increase of July 2019.

July 2022 vs June 2022 Comparison

Route	July 2022	June 2022	% Increase
Route 46 Roanoke	27,374	21,564	+27%
Route 47 Newport News	29,271	18,956	+54%
Route 50 Norfolk	40,763	33,094	+23%
Route 51 Richmond	12,848	11,919	+8%

 

July 2022 vs July 2021 Comparison

Route	July 2022	July 2021
Route 46 Roanoke	27,374	15,903	+72.1%
Route 47 Newport News	29,271	27,722	+5.6%
Route 50 Norfolk	40,763	20,938	+94.7%
Route 51 Richmond	12,848	*0	–

*Service was suspended due to pandemic.
 

July 2022 vs July 2019 Comparison

Route	July 2022	July 2019
Route 46 Roanoke	27,374	20,831	+31.4%
Route 47 Newport News	29,271	31,172	-6.1%
Route 50 Norfolk	40,763	29,864	+36.5%
Route 51 Richmond	12,848	10,174	+26.3%

 

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 stops at 17 stations along four corridors. All four corridors provide service 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 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.

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NEWS RELEASE
August 11, 2022

Will fund bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in support of its Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project. The $20 million grant comes from the USDOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program.

The Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project is a new, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian bridge that will span the Potomac River between Washington, DC and Arlington, Va. The bridge will connect Long Bridge Park and the Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington to the East and West Potomac Parks in Washington, DC. It will provide a substantially wider connection across the Potomac River for non-motorized traffic.

“VPRA’s Long Bridge project is designed to not only relieve congestion along the rail corridor across the Potomac, but to also provide an additional route for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel across the river that is also safe, direct, and a more pleasant experience,” said Michael McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “This RAISE grant will further our efforts to make that a reality.”

The new bridge will be built as a part of VPRA’s larger Long Bridge Project, a $2 billion rail project designed to eliminate the bottleneck currently facing rail traffic crossing the Potomac. The Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project will consist of a 2,300-foot long structure dedicated to walking and bicycling across the Potomac. It will cross the Potomac between the existing Long Bridge and the WMATA Metrorail Yellow Line bridge. The project’s current estimated cost is $88 million.

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.

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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.

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.

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Contact:

Karina Romero, VPRA

804-401-7912

Kimberly Woods, Amtrak

202-906-3860