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Virginia gets new Amtrak service

Category: Ride Trains

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Written by Randy Garbin

RICHMOND – Amtrak Virginia today launches a new train with daily round-trip service between Richmond and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, providing hourly morning northbound departures and more flexible southbound return trips to and from Amtrak's Staples Mill Station.

Virginia stops along the route include Staples Mill, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge and Alexandria stations, with direct service as far north as Boston.

"This new train provides more transportation choices in the I-95 corridor," said Thelma Drake, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). "It's easier than ever to take the train for your business, college and vacation trips."

Amtrak allows travelers to make the most of their travel time while someone else does the driving. On the train, passengers can catch up with work, friends, family or just take a break and relax.

The Richmond train also offers a great opportunity for travel to Virginia from places as far north as Boston. Amtrak Virginia and the Virginia Tourism Corporation have developed Amtrak Virginia vacation packages and discounts to destinations throughout Virginia. See www.amtrakvirginia.com/hotdeals for more information.

"This new service has great potential to bring more visitors to Richmond and destinations throughout Virginia," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism A TK-10-097 Corporation. "Train travel to Virginia is especially appealing for visitors in our top East Coast markets including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, who are looking for fun, relaxation and value." The new Richmond train is the second service launched under the Amtrak Virginia partnership, which introduced a new Lynchburg train last fall. Virginia is the 15th state to partner with Amtrak for intercity passenger rail service, and the successful launch of these new services is made possible through the partnership between DRPT, Amtrak, and the host railroads along the routes.

"Through our partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are able to further expand the rail travel options available to Virginians," said Jay McArthur, principal officer in Amtrak's Policy & Development Department. "We're hopeful this additional service from Richmond will mirror the strong ridership we've seen on the Lynchburg service we launched last fall."

"This new service is evidence of how well the Commonwealth of Virginia, Amtrak, the Virginia Railway Express and CSX Transportation have worked to enhance passenger, commuter and freight rail service in the I-95 corridor," said Quintin Kendall, resident vice president for CSX Transportation, the host railroad for the Richmond train. "The partnership resulted in new infrastructure- including seven miles of new, third main track and the replacement of a 105-year old single track railroad bridge. This additional rail capacity allows the new Amtrak Virginia service to begin, and improves the reliability of existing service while ensuring that the economically vital and environmentally beneficial rail freight service can meet the demands of the Commonwealth today and in the future."

Booking travel on the new train supports Amtrak Virginia service, which is provided as part of a three-year pilot program. The service must meet annual ridership and revenue goals to continue past the three-year mark.

Passengers who book travel on the new Richmond train before August 31, 2010 for travel by September 30, 2010 will save 15 percent if they book at least three days in advance of travel. Travelers who book more than 14 days in advance can take advantage of the lowest published fare for all Amtrak service. More information on travel offers is available at www.amtrakvirginia.com/hotdeals. Sample one-way fares include $23 between Richmond's Staples Mill Station and Washington, D.C. and $57 between Staples Mill and Philadelphia.

See www.amtrakvirginia.com for more info.