Support Us Button Widget

Virginia gets federal dollars to expand passenger rail service

More than $1.7 billion will be granted to help expand and speed service from DC to Richmond to Raleigh

Aerial Shot of Main Street Station Amtrak

Main Street Station hosted the Amtrak Board of Directors meeting on Dec. 1.

Photo by @aerowingva

Over the next several years, it should get easier and easier to travel the region by train. The federal Department of Transportation is using $1.7 billion to improve passenger rail service between DC, Richmond, and Raleigh.

The news comes after Amtrak hosted its public board meeting at Main Street Station at the beginning of the month. The event included an expo presentation from DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.

Stadtler said the goal is to have nearly hourly service between Richmond and DC by the end of 2030.

Another part of the funding might make it possible to get to Charlottesville by train. The Commonwealth Corridor won a $500,000 planning grant to explore directly connecting Hampton Roads, Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke and the New River Valley.

More from RICtoday
Escape the cold and snow by taking one of these affordable flights to a new city.
Metro Richmond Zoo is putting their new pgymy hippos — Iris and Poppy — front and center on its daily live stream feed on YouTube.
Take a look at these locally owned classic diners in Richmond, Virginia that are serving plates of comfort food.
Here are some ideas to help get you on your way to some commons goals for the new year in our city.
The City of Richmond is hosting a Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 11, aiming to bring important resources to in-need areas.
Richmond will be star-studded at the start of 2025 with a wide range of concerts and shows taking place in the winter season.
These regulations will impact employee benefits, health care, and the services available to Virginia residents in 2025.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is investing billions to build the power plant at the James River Industrial Center.
Whether you’re interested in local news, music, sports, or wellness, there’s a River City podcast for you.
Let us know what we should cover in the River City in 2025.