TRAVEL
Train usage spikes in Virginia
State-supported Amtrak trains carried 1.4 million riders in Virginia last year, the highest figure since the state-supported service started in 2009.

SCOTT SHENK The Free Lance–Star 59 mins ago

While ridership for some mass transit providers still hasn’t fully rebounded from the pandemic, Virginia’s Amtrak trains have been chugging along with plenty of passengers, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.

State-supported Amtrak trains set a ridership record in 2024 with 1,389,840 rider trips, the highest figure since Virginia started its state-supported service in 2009, the authority said in a statement. ... Last year’s record ridership topped the previous best year, 2023, and the pre-COVID record — 953,008 — set in 2019.

The authority's executive director, DJ Stadtler, said in the statement that climbing ridership figures are “indicative of Virginians using passenger rail as a convenient part of their travel plans.”

The trend of more train riders is likely to continue considering the $2.3 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia infrastructure program.


A conductor waves out the window of the Amtrak Northeast Regional, northbound to Washington, on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Charlottesville Union Station.

CAL TOBIAS, THE DAILY PROGRESS

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Scott Shenk:
(540)374-5436
sshenk@freelancestar.com