Virginia is for Rail Lovers: A Record Year for Rail Travel
By Elizabeth Willis, SEEA Buildings Research Associate
Map: Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation.
From the mountains to the coast, Virginia’s railways are riding a wave of renewed energy and expanding ridership. 2024 was an exceptional year for passenger rail in Virginia. With a record-breaking 1.39 million riders on Amtrak Virginia service, the Commonwealth is proving that convenient, comfortable, and sustainable transportation is not only possible, but thriving. This milestone marks a 4.8% increase over 2023 and an impressive 45% jump from pre-pandemic ridership levels in 2019. It’s safe to say: Virginia is for rail lovers.
Since launching state-supported service in 2009 with just one roundtrip between Washington, D.C. and Lynchburg, Virginia’s rail network has increased into eight daily roundtrips serving 17 stations across four key corridors: Roanoke, Norfolk, Newport News, and Richmond. Riders can enjoy seamless, one-seat rides, without having to transfer trains from Virginia to major East Coast destinations like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia thanks to the integration with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.
But the growth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the people choosing trains over traffic. “Our 2024 record ridership represents more than just holiday travel,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), “It is indicative of Virginians using passenger rail as a convenient part of their travel plans.” Taking the train is often more affordable, less stressful, and much easier than driving hundreds of miles. A trip from D.C. to Norfolk, for instance, saves travelers nearly 400 miles behind the wheel.
This commitment to rail is backed by meaningful infrastructure investments. One of the most exciting developments this year was the opening of the Newport News Transportation Center in August 2024. This modern multimodal hub connects passengers to Amtrak, local buses, airport shuttles, and taxis, serving as a gateway to both regional and long-distance destinations. Features like ADA-compliant platforms, real-time train information, a spacious waiting area, and Amtrak ticketing staff onsite will enhance the rider’s experience and make train travel more accessible for everyone.
The Newport News project is a shining example of what can be accomplished when public agencies and communities work together. Amtrak, VPRA, CSX, FRA, DRPT, VDOT, and the City of Newport News collaborated to bring this state-of-the-art station to life. As Mayor Phillip Jones put it, “This is a landmark achievement for our city and a testament to the power of collaboration.” Additionally, Christiansburg is getting an Amtrak extension, as Governor Glenn Youngkin recently broke ground on the New River Valley Project.
Beyond the numbers, what makes this success story so exciting is what it represents: a shift in how Virginians move. As the state continues to grow and evolve, passenger rail is helping close transportation gaps, especially in areas without direct interstate access, and giving travelers a smart, reliable alternative to car travel.
With strong ridership, expanded service, and a growing network of modern transportation hubs, Virginia is proving that the future of travel is not only on track, it’s right on time.
This work was made possible through our collaboration with TEEM Virginia. TEEM, which stands for Towards Equitable Electric Mobility, is a national Community of Practice, a peer-to-peer network of organizations advancing equitable mobility across the U.S. In Virginia, our cohort includes the NAACP, Generation180, Virginia Organizing, Ceres, and the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, working together to create more just and inclusive transportation solutions.