Completes selection process for the Long Bridge Project  

RICHMOND – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) today announced the selection of the Long Bridge Rail Partners – a joint venture comprised of Trumbull Corp., Fay, S&B Construction, and Wagman Heavy Civil, Inc. – as construction partner for the Long Bridge Project-South Package.  VPRA separated the Long Bridge Project, a new two-track bridge across the Potomac River, into two procurements, a North Package and a South Package. The North Package was awarded to Skanska/Flatiron Joint Venture in December 2023.

“The selection of Long Bridge Rail Partners completes the team that will build the largest of our Transforming Rail in Virginia projects, which will significantly change the way Virginians travel,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Our efforts to provide Virginians with expanded passenger rail service would not be possible without the continued support of Governor Youngkin and Secretary of Transportation Miller.  We thank them for their support in making our vision a reality.”

“Virginia’s investment in rail will benefit passengers as well as our freight partners up and down the east coast,” said Tiffany Robinson, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the VPRA Board.  “Long Bridge is vital to this expansion.  We look forward to working with Long Bridge Rail Partners on this project which will reshape rail service in the Commonwealth.”

“The Long Bridge Rail Partners (Trumbull, Wagman, and Fay, S&B USA Construction) are excited to work with VPRA on such a challenging, transformative project for the Washington metropolitan area,” said Mark Gentile, President of Trumbull Corporation. “Together with designer STV, we offer extensive bridge, marine, and railway experience to design and build the best solution for VPRA and the region.”

Long Bridge – South Package

The Long Bridge Project encompasses a 1.8-mile railroad corridor between Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC.  The South Package will use the Design-Build method to build a new two-track railroad bridge across the Potomac River, a bicycle/pedestrian bridge as well as all associated infrastructure between Arlington and Washington, DC.  In June, VPRA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to the qualified design-build teams for the south end of the project.

The selection of the Long Bridge Rail Partners moves the project to the next level as all players are now in place. The Long Bridge Rail Partners team will take the project through the final design phase, incorporating innovative alternative technical concepts, through construction with completion expected in 2030.

The Long Bridge-South Package includes construction from the Rosslyn Interlocking in Arlington, Virginia to the northern abutment of the New Long Bridge on the north side of Ohio Drive SW in East Potomac Park in the District.

The South Package includes:

• Potomac River Bridge – A new two track rail crossing over the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Potomac River.
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge – A new 16-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian crossing over the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Potomac River. Dedicated solely to bicycles and pedestrians, this bridge will improve access and provide a safe crossing for those not in cars or on trains.  The bridge will have connections at the Long Bridge Aquatic Center, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Ohio Drive SW.
• Additional Infrastructure – New retaining walls and associated embankments will be built at the George Washington Parkway as well as a new fender system within the Potomac River Navigational Channel.

In October, VPRA joined officials including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, as well as U.S. Representatives Gerry Connelly and Abigail Spanberger, for a groundbreaking ceremony for the $2.3 billion infrastructure improvement project.  The new Long Bridge will be strategically placed between the existing Long Bridge and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Yellow Line bridge and will relieve one of the worst rail traffic bottlenecks on the East Coast.

VPRA’s Partners

Expanding passenger rail throughout the Commonwealth would not be possible without a strong partnership with the District of Columbia.  VPRA recognizes the vital role DC plays in finding a workable solution for our area’s traffic challenges.

“Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with The District Department of Transportation are thrilled to hear of the announcement of the selection of the construction partner for the Long Bridge-South Package, marking a significant milestone in advancing this transformative project,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “The completion of the Long Bridge will greatly benefit Washingtonians and the entire region by enhancing connectivity, improving transportation options, and fostering economic growth. We are excited to collaborate with our Virginia Passenger Rail Authority partners to bring this vital infrastructure project to fruition.”

VPRA continues to work closely with VRE to improve and expand its Fredericksburg and Manassas Line service.  VRE’s support includes close to $200 million in contributions towards the TRV program.

“The award of the Long Bridge-South package puts VRE one step closer toward its transformation from a commuter rail service to a regional one,” said VRE CEO Rich Dalton. “When this bridge opens in 2030, VRE will be able to expand service on both of its lines to meet the growing needs of travelers in the region. And, due to the separation of freight and passenger trains, we will experience improvements in reliability. VRE is pleased to partner with VPRA on this and other TRV projects.”

Working with CSX to expand service throughout the Commonwealth, VPRA was able to purchase the railroad right-of-way which will make Long Bridge and other TRV projects possible.

“The Long Bridge Project will unlock the bottleneck in this congested corridor and provide enhanced service for CSX customers, as well as VRE and Amtrak passengers,” said Randy Marcus, Director of State Relations for Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C. at CSX. “CSX’s collaboration with the Commonwealth continues to deliver economic and transportation benefits to businesses and commuters in Virginia and across the region.”

Amtrak, which has served as the state’s operational partner since Virginia’s state-supported service began in 2009, is contributing $944 million to the TRV program.  Rail improvements will benefit the network of Amtrak Virginia, long distance, and commuter services operating in the Commonwealth.

“We are happy with this significant development advancing the Long Bridge project to improve rail infrastructure in Virginia,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “We are proud to partner with VPRA on the continued growth of passenger rail for travel between the Northeast and Southeast regions.”

Transforming Rail in Virginia

A national model for the expansion of state-supported passenger rail service, TRV is the Commonwealth’s $5 billion initiative to expand passenger rail service and give Virginian’s an alternative to the state’s ever-growing traffic problem.  With VPRA leading the way, the Commonwealth is changing the future of rail transportation by acquiring railroad right-of-way, increasing rail capacity, and reworking passenger and freight operations to improve reliability and increase rail service.

Other partners who have helped bring TRV to fruition include:

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)who supported Long Bridge with a $729 million grant through its Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National).
• Virginia’s Congressional delegation, who supported program funding and VPRA grant applications to ensure funding for Long Bridge as well as all Phase 2 TRV projects.
• The Virginia General Assembly, who through their 2020 enabling legislation, created VPRA and established the Commonwealth Transportation Fund that provides ongoing funding for VPRA’s TRV projects.

Through a combination of state & local dollars and federal grants, Long Bridge as well as all Phose 2 TRV projects, are currently fully-funded.  Once Phase 2 is complete, VPRA will fund a total of 13 daily Amtrak Virginia roundtrips, up from the current eight, along four corridors between Washington, DC and Roanoke, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond with continuing service to points north including Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, 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. Through its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, VPRA is acquiring railroad right-of-way and building infrastructure to expand passenger rail throughout Virginia.  VPRA is also 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, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail 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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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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Plan a trip and save while exploring cities in the Commonwealth

WASHINGTON & RICHMOND – Amtrak is now offering at least 25% off Flex Fare prices for travel between Newport News, Va., and Washington, D.C., which includes Alexandria, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond, and Williamsburg. Whether it’s to cheer on a favorite sports team, connect with family and friends, or sightsee beautiful foliage, customers can save more and experience everything the Commonwealth has to offer this fall. The sale is for travel in Coach Class between Thursday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, when booking now through Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Amtrak Virginia offers customers the ease of travel to and from city centers, free Wi-Fi and the ability to travel with small pets. Guests can also enjoy wide, comfortable, and reclining seats with plenty of legroom, and large picture windows while decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions by up to 83% compared to driving and 72% compared to flying. Cafe Service is available to purchase meals, snacks and beverages, including a Virginia-based craft beer, Brewski, for only $8.

Customers traveling to and from Newport News via Amtrak Virginia can experience the Newport News Transportation Center, a brand-new multimodal facility located at 500-B Bland Blvd. The center also offers a transfer point for Amtrak Thruway Bus Service, extending travel to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, taxi service, and shuttles to and from the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport.

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority supports Amtrak Virginia service that operates along four corridors from Norfolk, Richmond, Newport News, and Roanoke to Washington, D.C., and continues to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and other popular Northeast cities.

This offer can be combined with Amtrak’s everyday discounts. Restrictions apply. To see full details and book, visit Amtrak.com/Newport-News-Sale.

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 X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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, D.C., and Lynchburg, Va. Since that time, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail 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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Goal to boost local food and beverage industry

RICHMOND — Customers will get a taste of Virginia while traveling on the train. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, Amtrak, and the Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Ashland are partnering to offer a local craft beer, Brewski, onboard Amtrak Virginia trains.

Beginning June 8, Brewski, will be available for purchase in the Café Cars on Northeast Regional service traveling along four corridors from Roanoke, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond to Washington, D.C. and continuing to Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.  A 12-ounce can of Brewski will cost $8.00.

A 5% German-Style Dortmunder pale lager, Brewski debuted at the Center of the Universe in April of 2022.  The Dortmunder style was originally created in Germany around 150 years ago as a lower ABV lager alternative for working class citizens.  This origin story influenced the tagline for the brand, “THE LAGER THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU.”

The addition of Brewski to Amtrak Virginia beverage options is the culmination of a two-year effort to offer locally-sourced products on Virginia trains, a key recommendation of the Amtrak Food & Beverage Working Group (FBWG).  A cross-functional team comprised of representatives from Virginia and Washington state, Amtrak employees and unions, as well as rail advocacy groups, the FBWG was created as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

The FBWG called on Amtrak to establish a formal process for states to sell locally-sourced products on their respective state-supported routes.  Virginia is currently serving as a pilot state, implementing those recommendations. The addition of Brewski to the menu aids Virginia in meeting the FBWG goals to cultivate partnerships with local producers, boost the local food and beverage industry, and improve overall customer experience on trains.

“Offering Brewski onboard our Amtrak Virginia trains isn’t just about adding to our beverage menu, it’s about supporting Virginia’s vibrant craft beer industry, a cornerstone of several local economies,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.  “This partnership allows us to celebrate Virginia’s unique craft beer offerings while supporting the communities we serve and directly injecting revenue into Virginia’s economy.”

“Our food and beverage offerings are essential to the customer experience,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said.  “We are pleased to partner with VPRA and Center of the Universe Brewing Co. to offer something new for people to enjoy while traveling with us.”

“Rail fans and craft beer fans alike have been sipping Brewskis and watching trains at our Downtown Ashland brewery and taproom, Origin Beer Lab, for six years now,” said Chris Ray, Owner of the Center of the Universe Brewing Company.  “Amtrak Virginia passengers can now raise a glass of Brewski as they journey across the state, savoring a taste of Virginia’s rich brewing heritage. This partnership is a welcome boost to the local economy.”

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.

About Center of the Universe Brewing Company

Owned by brothers Chris and Phil Ray, the Center of the Universe Brewing Company opened in 2011 in Ashland, Virginia.  Offering a variety of lagers and IPAs, Center of the Universe prides itself on offering sustainable and consistent core products year-round.  In addition to their core craft beers, a monthly seasonal rotates in to keep the selection fresh.  Chris and Phil’s craft beers have been recognized by the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup. For details, please visit cotubrewing.com.

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Strong spring leads to summer with a record-setting April

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced today that its state-supported passenger rail service, Amtrak Virginia, saw another month of record ridership in April. With a total of 118,474 passengers traveling, April 2024 beat April 2023 by 9.8%. All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw ridership increases resulting in the highest ridership for the month of April since the Commonwealth started state-supported service in 2009. The Norfolk corridor again carried the most passengers with 44,616 traveling.

April 2024 vs April 2023 Comparison

“For 11 of the past 12 months, our Amtrak Virginia service has set a monthly record,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “VPRA was created because the General Assembly saw a need to provide more passenger rail options for travelers, and with these numbers, it’s clear they were right. We look forward to seeing more Virginians on board this summer.”

Monthly Ridership Totals – Last 12 Months

*Not a monthly ridership record.

Only the month of December 2023 did not set a record for monthly ridership over the past twelve months. At 110,352, it fell just short of the record of 111,082 set in December 2022. The month of August 2023 holds the all-time record for monthly ridership at 130,998.

VPRA manages the state’s Amtrak Virginia service, which includes eight daily roundtrips along four corridors. Service travels through the Commonwealth from Roanoke, Norfolk, Newport News, and Richmond to Washington, DC and points north including Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.

In addition to the Amtrak Virginia service, VPRA also has the lead on the state’s Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. This forward-looking plan is designed to give Virginians an alternative to driving along congested highways and interstates — to provide some relief from what has become Virginia’s “all day rush hour.” The initiative calls for moving Virginians by using an existing rail corridor and building new infrastructure, eventually separating freight and passenger rail services. When complete, Amtrak Virginia will offer a total of 13 daily roundtrips traveling throughout the state and connecting to the Northeast Corridor.

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, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

Follow us on social media: Facebook @VAPassengerRail, X @vapassengerrail, LinkedIn virginia-passenger-rail-authority, and YouTube @virginiapassengerrailauthority.

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Double-digit increases seen on all four corridors

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) marked another record increase in ridership last month. During March, 123,658 passengers traveled on the state-supported Amtrak Virginia service. This was an increase of 21% over March 2023, which saw 102,087 passengers and was the highest ridership for the month of March since Virginia’s state-supported service began in 2009.

All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw double-digit increases year-over-year with Richmond seeing the greatest increase of 32.5%. The Norfolk corridor carried the most passengers, 45,185.

March 2024 vs March 2023 Comparison

NOTE:  March 2024 had five weekends while March 2023 only had four.

“As our ridership continues to set records, Virginia is fast becoming an example of how state-supported passenger rail service can be a formidable part of a state’s transportation mix,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “We recognize that many people rely on their cars, however, by offering reliable rail service that goes where travelers want to go, we can take some of those cars off the road.  That’s a win-win for a state famous for its traffic.”

With the school spring break season leading up to Easter, spring travel began early this year.  Five weekends in the month of March also contributed to the record ridership.

Currently, Amtrak Virginia offers three daily roundtrips between Norfolk and Washington, DC, two daily roundtrips between both Roanoke and Washington, and Newport News and Washington, and one daily roundtrip between Richmond and the nation’s capital.  Plans to expand the service are underway through VPRA’s Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative.  This innovative and forward-looking plan will give Virginians an alternative to traveling along congested highways and interstates. The initiative calls for increasing passenger rail service in the Commonwealth by purchasing railroad right-of-way and building infrastructure.

With the completion of TRV’s Phase 1 projects, two new Amtrak Virginia roundtrips are scheduled to launch in 2026.  The completion of TRV’s Phase 2 projects – which include a new bridge across the Potomac River — will result in three new roundtrips for a total of 13 daily roundtrips by 2030.

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. Follow us on social media: Facebook @VAPassengerRail, X @vapassengerrail, LinkedIn virginia-passenger-rail-authority, and YouTube @virginiapassengerrailauthority.

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Increases seen on all four corridors

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced today that more than 1.32 million passengers traveled on its state-supported Amtrak Virginia service during calendar year 2023. This was the highest ridership recorded since state-supported service began in 2009, and the total – 1,325,937 – beat calendar year 2022 ridership by 29.8%.

All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw increases year-over-year with Newport News leading the way with an increase of 36.8% over 2022. The month of August set a record for monthly ridership with 130,998 passengers traveling.

NOTE: CY2023 ridership includes eight daily roundtrips. Ridership for the first half of CY2022 includes just five daily roundtrips as three were added in July 2022 – one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk. The third, to Newport News, was the resumption of service cancelled due to the pandemic.

“Virginians continue to tell us that they want passenger rail to lighten the load on the state’s highways and to provide them with an alternative to sitting in traffic,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “And, we are listening. With recent grant funding and the selection of construction partners, the team at VPRA is pushing our Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative to the next level to provide additional passenger rail service in the Commonwealth as soon as possible.”

A national model for the expansion of state-supported passenger rail service, VPRA has purchased railroad right-of-way and is building infrastructure through its Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative.

Last fall VPRA was awarded two grants to fully fund projects in Northern Virginia. The Franconia-Springfield Bypass received a $100 million CRISI grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). VPRA was also awarded a $729 million grant through the FRA’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program for the completion of Phase 2 of the TRV initiative. These investments will aid VPRA in completing the final design and construction of Long Bridge and all Phase 2 projects, which will relieve rail congestion that affects service throughout the Commonwealth and along the East Coast.

Currently, Amtrak Virginia offers three daily roundtrips between Norfolk and Washington, DC, two daily roundtrips between both Roanoke and Washington, and Newport News and Washington, and one daily roundtrip between Richmond and the nation’s capital. Completion of TRV’s Phase 2 projects will allow for three new roundtrips. That will be in addition to the current eight roundtrips and the two that are scheduled to launch upon completion of Phase 1 projects in 2026 for a total of 13 daily roundtrips by 2030.

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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Events planned to promote rail safety

RICHMOND -The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is observing Rail Safety Month in Virginia by promoting the importance of safety in and around trains, stations, and tracks.  A Proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizing the month kicks off this year’s public service campaign.  In his proclamation, the Governor references Federal Railroad Administration statistics that rank the Commonwealth of Virginia thirteenth in highway-rail grade crossing collisions in the United States.

“As passenger rail continues to grow throughout the Commonwealth, practicing safe behaviors near our tracks and stations and on board our trains is vital to ensuring a safe ride for our passengers and a safe environment for our communities,” said Mike McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer of VPRA. “Every three hours a person or vehicle is struck by a train in the United States.  Through education about rail safety, we can strive to prevent these kinds of incidents.”

VPRA has a toolkit available for communities to use in their own rail safety education outreach.  The toolkits, available online at vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety – 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.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education is partnering with VPRA on this effort.  “Virginia Operation Lifesaver is excited to partner again with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for Rail Safety Month. Together, we are educating children and their parents about making good decisions around railroad tracks and trains,” said Tracey Lamb, Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator.  “Remember, railroad property is private property. Stay off, stay away and stay safe.”

In addition to the online toolkits, VPRA will be hosting rail safety events around the Commonwealth.  To learn more, join us:

Tuesday, September 19, 10:00am to noon – Ashland

Ashland Amtrak Station – 112 N Railroad Ave, Ashland

Wednesday, September 20, 7:00am to 9:00am – Alexandria

Alexandria Amtrak Station – 110 Callahan Dr, Alexandria

Thursday, September 21, 9:00am – 11:00am – Petersburg

Ettrick Amtrak Station – 3516 South Street, Petersburg

Saturday, September 23 & Sunday, September 24, 10:00am to 2:00pm – Richmond

The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) – 2626 W Broad St, Richmond

The event at CMoR also includes playtime at the Amtrak Virginia Train Exhibit complete with engineer hats and storytime with Miss Virginia Volunteer 2024 Annie Mowery on Saturday.

“Play is how our youngest citizens learn, including about trains and train safety,” says CMoR’s Executive Director Danielle Ripperton. “We’re thrilled that children visiting our Downtown location experience the playful STEM education learnings at our train exhibit throughout the year. And, we’re most grateful that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority delivers programming at CMoR during Rail Safety Month to introduce and reinforce the importance of train safety.”

For more information on rail safety, visit

vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety for VPRA’s toolkit;

https://oli.org/ for tips on basic track safety; and,

https://www.youtube.com/@FederalRailroadAdministration for videos on rail safety.

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 the Children’s Museum of Richmond

Since 1981, the Children’s Museum has served children and their families by recognizing that children grow and learn through play and has grown over the years in providing resources for the entire family, schools, and partner nonprofit organizations. CMoR now operates two locations in Richmond and Chesterfield dedicated to creating safe, fun, hands-on environments for children to learn, explore, and create memorable experiences. For more information about the Children’s Museum of Richmond, please visit www.cmorva.org.

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Take the train to local fall festivals

RICHMOND — Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Virginia with gorgeous fall foliage, apple picking, and seasonal festivals.  The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) invites you to explore the beauty of the Commonwealth this fall on board Amtrak Virginia.

With service along four corridors – Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Roanoke — Amtrak Virginia offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to destinations throughout the state as well Washington, DC and points north.

There’s no better way to explore the endless fall activities in Virginia than by train.  Whether you are enjoying the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains or exploring our nation’s history along the Potomac River, Amtrak Virginia can be a part of your adventure.

Roanoke Corridor 

Along the Roanoke Corridor, Virginians can explore the many sights and events in historic Charlottesville. Carter Mountain Orchard offers apple picking as well as a cidery with beautiful Blue Ridge views. Check out Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or one of the many local wineries in the region. Use Charlottesville Area Transit to travel around the city.

If college football is on your itinerary, Amtrak Virginia makes stops near more than 20 colleges and universities in the Commonwealth.  While visiting Charlottesville, be sure to see the University of Virginia play or head further south along the Roanoke Corridor to Virginia Tech.  A Thruway bus connection is available between Roanoke and Blacksburg, operated by Valley Metro’s SmartWay to get you there.

Newport News Corridor

Virginia offers many attractions for those interested in history. One of the most famous attractions – Williamsburg –falls along the Newport News Corridor.  Attend a historical reenactment or stay in a historic bed and breakfast for a romantic getaway.

To celebrate the turn in the weather, travel to Newport News for this year’s Fall-O-Ween Festival and use Hampton Roads Transit to get around once you arrive by train.

Norfolk Corridor

Norfolk offers something for everyone with family-friendly, art, and wine festivals planned this fall.  Take the train to Norfolk for any number of fall festivals.  Visit the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden which features chrysanthemums this time of year, or the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, known for its 12 acres of gardens, forest, and wetlands.  Norfolk’s local transportation options include a light rail and a ferry.

Norfolk also offers many options for those interested in military history including the National Maritime Center, Nauticus, and the MacArthur Memorial, dedicated to preserving the legacy of Army General Douglas MacArthur.

Richmond Corridor

Amtrak Virginia service to Richmond includes stops at Staples Mill Station and downtown’s Main Street Station.  Just a few steps from Main Street Station, you can get your fright on at the Poe Museum and learn more about the life, poetry, and mysterious death of Edgar Allen Poe.

Also, along Richmond’s corridor, Alexandria hosts its own frightful events with the Ghosts and Graveyards Tour in the city’s historic district.  Near the Amtrak Station on King Street, Alexandria’s DASH bus service offers free rides to local sites around town.

Affordable Fares

To travel the Commonwealth this fall, our 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 kids, 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.

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