VPRA https://vapassengerrailauthority.org Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:32:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/VPRA_abbreviated-logo_blue-2-66x66.png VPRA https://vapassengerrailauthority.org 32 32 Virginia and North Carolina Stations Remain the Busiest in the Southeast https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/virginia-and-north-carolina-stations-remain-the-busiest-in-the-southeast/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:26:14 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=16424

NEWS RELEASE – April 7, 2024

Multiple departures, flexible service boosting growth

WASHINGTON — Train travel is booming across the U.S., with North Carolina and Virginia seeing some of the highest traffic in the Southeast. In Fiscal Year 2024, the top stations in the region were the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond, Va., and in Alexandria, Va., Charlotte, N.C., Raleigh, N.C, the Auto Train Station in Lorton, Va., and Norfolk, Va.

Trains operating to these cities offer customers the flexibility and convenience of frequent service and the ability to travel to multiple destinations in the Northeast, Southeast and for longer, overnight trips to locations as far south as Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami. The Auto Train provides daily, nonstop service between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla.

“The strong ridership reflects the demand for train travel and the strategic investments North Carolina and Virginia are making to offer the public a viable transportation option,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak Executive Vice President of Strategy & Planning. “Thanks to our state partners, infrastructure projects are underway so we can bring more service and continue to provide customers an exceptional travel experience.”

Amtrak achieved an all-time ridership record in Fiscal Year 2024, welcoming a historic 32.8 million customers as demand for train service continues to grow in markets across the nation.

Amtrak Virginia, sponsored by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), offers 12 daily trains to the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond for service to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, and Boston. Customers can also access additional Amtrak service for travel to Raleigh, Charlotte, Savannah, Ga., and other cities as far south as Miami.

In addition to Richmond, Amtrak Virginia also serves Alexandria, Manassas, Newport News, Norfolk, Roanoke, and 11 other Virginia communities.

“With our key location connecting the Southeast with the Northeast, the growing ridership to and from our stations shows that Virginia is vital to the expansion of rail service on the East Coast,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “We look forward to increasing those numbers as our Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative expands rail service through the Commonwealth by acquiring railroad right-of-way, increasing rail capacity, and reworking passenger and freight operations to improve reliability.”

In North Carolina, the Piedmont and Carolinian trains offer daily roundtrips for travel between Raleigh, Charlotte, and other cities in between. The Carolinian travels daily from New York to Charlotte, and stops at the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond, Va., and Alexandria, Va. Both trains are sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and operated by Amtrak.

“Record ridership for NC By Train since 2022 demonstrates the increasing importance of intercity rail in North Carolina as a transportation option and as an important part of economic development and benefits throughout the state,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division Director. “We’re excited to continue this trend of growth while working to improve and expand service across North Carolina and the Southeast.”

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 18 stations along four corridors.  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 TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.

State-sponsored North Carolina’s Amtrak
The Piedmont and Carolinian trains are sponsored by NCDOT and operated by Amtrak. The service is paid for through state funding and passenger fares. North Carolina’s Amtrak fleet of two trains provides daily service to Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, nine other North Carolina cities, and to the Northeast. Complete schedule information is available at ncbytrain.org. Reservations are required. Travelers should book early for best fares. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket windows, automated ticket kiosks at all stations or online at ncbytrain.org.

###

Station FFY2024 Ridership Routes
Richmond, Va.-Staples Mill
464,881

Amtrak Virginia Service to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Additional service to Chicago, Charleston, New Orleans, Savannah, and Miami.

Alexandria, Va.
358,629

Amtrak Virginia Service to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Additional service to Chicago, Charleston, New Orleans, Savannah, and Miami.

Charlotte, N.C.
328,008
Service to Raleigh, Washington, D.C., New York, and New Orleans.
Lorton, Va.
265,818

Auto Train service to Sanford, Fla., near Orlando.

Raleigh, N.C.
261,008
Service to Charlotte, Washington, D.C., and New York.
Norfolk, Va.
227,505

Amtrak Virginia Service to Richmond, Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston.

]]>
New Passenger Information Displays Improves Customer Experience at Main Street Station in Richmond https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/new-passenger-information-displays-improves-customer-experience-at-main-street-station-in-richmond/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:59:12 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=15211 NEWS RELEASE – March 26, 2025

Upgrades improve accessibility and communications

RICHMOND — To provide the most up-to-date train status information to customers, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), Amtrak, and the City of Richmond have collaborated on the installation of a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) at the Amtrak Station on Main Street in Richmond, Va.

The system provides customers with real-time information on train arrivals and departures and track assignments in audible and visual formats.  This system can also announce essential updates information during service disruptions. PIDS is equipped with an adaptive sound system that adjusts to different environmental noise levels. This allows the system to detect ambient noise and alter the volume of announcements during special events at the station.

Amtrak Virginia trains offer direct service to the Main Street Station to and from Newport News, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and as far north as Boston. The station is a National Historic Landmark and located in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom district.

Other Virginia stations are equipped with PIDS including Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Williamsburg, and the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond, Va.

“Bringing PIDS to Main Street Station is a huge benefit to our passengers,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Information is key in our industry and providing necessary train information in a timely manner will only enhance the customer experience.”

“Improving accessibility across all modes of transportation throughout the city is one of the most important objectives of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, states Dironna Moore Clarke, DPW Deputy Director.

“Amtrak is committed to providing timely and accurate customer communications across all channels – in stations, on board trains, via our mobile apps and our various web-based platforms,” said Dr. David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations & Facilities CAO. “Thanks to VPRA, the City of Richmond and our dedicated, multi-departmental team for this modern and accessible system that will enhance the travel experience.”

Amtrak collaborated closely with the City of Richmond throughout the design process to ensure the system met the architectural standards of Main Street Station.  City officials provided valuable input during both the design and installation phases to ensure the new system preserved the station’s historical significance.

Plans are underway to install PIDS at the Amtrak Station in Ashland, Va.

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 18 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on XInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, gift cards and more.

City of Richmond – Main Street Station
Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm, and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

###

 

]]>
2022 Board Meetings https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/about-board-of-directors-2022-board-meetings/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:20:32 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=14555

December 2022 – Full Board 

Agenda and Meeting MinutesPresentations and Meeting MaterialsDecision Briefs and Resolutions
December 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Agenda

 

December 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Slides

 

Auditor Communication

Draft FY24 Budget

None

October 2022 – Finance Committee

Agenda and Meeting MinutesPresentations and Meeting MaterialsDecision Briefs and Resolutions
October 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Agenda

 

October 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

October Finance Committee Meeting PresentationNone
Agenda and Meeting MinutesPresentations and Meeting MaterialsDecision Briefs and Resolutions
July 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Agenda

 

July 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes

NoneNone

June 2022 – Finance Committee 

June Finance Committee Meeting Recording (6-27-22)

May 2022 – Full Board 

May Board Meeting Recording (5-23-22)

]]>
2020 Board Meetings https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/about-board-of-directors-2020-board-meetings/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:18:28 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=14556

December  – Full Board 

December Board Meeting Recording (12-14-20)

]]>
2021 Board Meetings https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/about-board-of-directors-2021-board-meetings-2/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:16:36 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=14557

April 2021 – Full Board

April Board Meeting Recording (4-26-21)

March 2021 – Full Board

March Board Meeting Recording (3-17-21)

Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions
March 2021 Board Meeting Agenda March 2021 Board Meeting Minutes February 2021 Board Meeting Minutes None None

February 2021 – Full Board

February Board Meeting Recording (2-22-21)

Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions
February 2021 Board Meeting Agenda February 2021 Board Meeting Minutes January 2021 Boarding Meeting Minutes None None

January 2021- Full Board 

 January Board Meeting Recording (1-25-21)

]]> 2023 Board Meetings https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/about-board-of-directors-2023meetings/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 21:48:06 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=14520

April 2023 – Full Board 

July 2023 – Finance Committee

August 2023 – P&C Committee

October 2023 – P&C Committee

Agenda and Meeting MinutesPresentations and Meeting MaterialsDecision Briefs and Resolutions

October 2023 P&C Committee Meeting Agenda

August 2023 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes

  

November 2023 – Board Workshop

Agenda and Meeting MinutesPresentations and Meeting MaterialsDecision Briefs and Resolutions

November Board Workshop Minutes

November Board Workshop Agenda

  

November 2023 – Finance Committee

December 2023 – Full Board

]]> Norfolk Station: Arrival/Departure Info https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/norfolk-station-arrival-departure-info/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 20:24:54 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=14305

There are parking changes at the Norfolk Amtrak Station:

  • Parking for Amtrak Customers is available in Lot E.
  • Effective March 14, 2025:
    • Parking rate is $10/day
    • Two ways to pay:
      • ParkMobile app
      • On-site multi-space meter
  • Consider using rideshare or personal drop-off/pick-up.
  • Vehicles that do not pay for parking are subject to parking citations.
]]> Long Bridge February 2025 Construction Alerts https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/lbconstructionfeb2025/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:49:32 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=14320
]]> Amtrak Virginia Sets All-Time Record with 2024 Ridership https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/amtrak-virginia-sets-all-time-record-with-2024-ridership/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:00:23 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=12780 NEWS RELEASE – February 3, 2025

December also tops in monthly ridership 

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) state-supported Amtrak Virginia service set a record for ridership during calendar year 2024 with 1,389,840 passengers traveling.  That is the highest ridership mark since the Commonwealth launched state-supported service in 2009.  The 2024 figure beat the previous record set during calendar year 2023 by +4.8%.  It also topped the pre-pandemic record of 953,008 set in 2019 by 45%.  All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw increases in 2024.  

Calendar Year 2024 vs Calendar Year 2023 Comparison 

[fusion_table fusion_table_type=”1″ fusion_table_rows=”” fusion_table_columns=”” awb-switch-editor-focus=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=””]

Route CY2024 CY2023 % Increase
Route 46 Roanoke 343,585 331,836 +3.5%
Route 47 Newport News 381,675 363,835 +4.9%
Route 50 Norfolk 515,448 490,719 +5.0%
Route 51 Richmond 149,132 139,541 +6.9%
Total 1,389,840 1,325,931 +4.8%

[/fusion_table]

 December also set a record for the highest monthly ridership with more than 136,000 passengers traveling.  The total, 136,433, was the highest monthly ridership recorded since the state launched its Amtrak Virginia service, beating the previous record of 130,998 set in August of 2023 by +4.1%.  The total is also a record for the month of December and an increase of nearly +24% compared to December of 2023. 

December 2024 vs December 2023 Comparison 

[fusion_table fusion_table_type=”1″ fusion_table_rows=”” fusion_table_columns=”” awb-switch-editor-focus=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=””]

Route December 2024 December 2023 % Increase
Route 46 Roanoke 34,339 26,300 +30.6%
Route 47 Newport News 36,983 29,409 +25.8%
Route 50 Norfolk 50,825 42,202 +20.4%
Route 51 Richmond 14,286 12,441 +14.8%
Total 136,433 110,352 +23.6%

[/fusion_table]

For the month of December, all four Amtrak Virginia corridors had double-digit increases year-over-year with Roanoke seeing the largest increase at 30.5%.  The Sunday after Thanksgiving, traditionally one of the busiest travel days of the year, fell on December 1 in 2024, contributing to the record month. 

“The holiday season was a busy time for us – our stations were crowded, and our trains were full,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “But our 2024 record ridership represents more than just holiday travel. It is indicative of Virginians using passenger rail as a convenient part of their travel plans.” 

VPRA continues to work diligently to expand passenger rail in the Commonwealth.  Last fall the authority broke ground on Long Bridge, the largest of its Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) projects.  The $2.3 billion infrastructure improvement will connect Arlington, Virginia with Washington, DC via a new two-track railroad bridge, dedicated solely to passenger rail.  The project is scheduled for completion in 2030 and will allow VPRA to increase the number of daily Amtrak Virginia roundtrips from the current eight to 13 with service connecting to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.     

Additionally, last fall also saw ribbon cuttings at two stations in the Commonwealth – Newport News and Quantico.  The Newport News Transportation Center is a brand-new facility built to replace an ageing station that the Amtrak Virginia service had outgrown.  The new station offers more parking, upgraded passenger amenities, and connections to Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service, Hampton Roads Transit, taxi service, and shuttles to and from the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport. 

At Quantico, the station was upgraded to better meet the needs of passengers including adding an overhead pedestrian walkway with elevators for ADA accessibility.  VPRA also added a third track through the area which will allow for an increase in the number of trains operating and improving the on-time performance for all.   

Currently, Amtrak Virginia’s eight daily roundtrips include three between Norfolk and Washington, DC, two between both Roanoke and Washington, and Newport News and Washington, and one between Richmond and the nation’s capital.  The service offers a one-seat ride from Virginia to Philadelphia, New York, and Boston as well as intermediate stops on Amtrak’s 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, 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. 

 ### 

]]>
VPRA Selects Construction Partner for Long Bridge-South Package https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/vpra-selects-construction-partner-for-long-bridge-south-package/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:30:06 +0000 https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/?p=12741 NEWS RELEASE – January 16, 2025

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.

###

]]>