$2.3 Billion Long Bridge Project Advances as Amtrak Virginia Shatters Ridership Records

Amtrak Virginia ridership reached a record level in 2025. Nearly 1.5 million people used the four state-supported routes. The routes start or end in Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond or Roanoke. That was almost 8% more than the previous year. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Also, Amtrak said more than 400,000 passengers boarded or left trains in Hampton Roads. That figure covered stations in Norfolk, Newport News and Williamsburg during federal fiscal year 2025.

Record passenger numbers in Virginia

Karina Romero, communications manager for VPRA, spoke Friday about the record figures. She said topping them may be harder this year. Long Bridge construction has reduced service. Still, she said the ridership figures show that the enhancements will be worth it.

“We’re thrilled,” Romero said Friday. “You know, we’re working on our Transforming Virginia initiative, and seeing those ridership numbers just tells us that we’re doing the right thing. We need more railroads in Virginia. When we build them, people ride them. So by expanding our infrastructure, particularly in Northern Virginia, we will be able to expand service and run more trains throughout the Commonwealth.”

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VPRA has overseen Amtrak service in Virginia since 2020. It also subsidizes the current operating loss. In FY 2025, that loss exceeded $40 million.

Long Bridge project affects current service

Adding more trains depends on building more track capacity. The $2.3 billion Long Bridge project is aimed at doubling the number of tracks crossing the Potomac River. Those tracks run between Virginia and Washington D.C. The project is expected to improve train reliability and on-time performance.

Washington rules on noise and vibration limit construction hours. Work takes place from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. That schedule has led to two of Virginia’s eight daily trains being replaced by bus service.

Meanwhile, nearly 4,100 passengers used the Amtrak bus between Hampton Roads and Washington D.C. in March. Romero said rising gas prices and cheap tickets may be influencing those choices.

“Probably yes, gas prices,” Romero said. “Also, people say that the bus is not a horrible option. We understand it doesn’t have the comfort that the train does. But since it’s nonstop from Hampton Roads all the way up to Washington, DC, it’s a pretty efficient ride. The drivers can get in the HOV lanes and get you to Washington as quickly as possible.”

Amtrak Virginia fare discounts

In addition, Romero said Amtrak Virginia has discounts on its website for travelers watching their budgets.

“We have our Virginia any time fare, 15% off if you’re traveling within Virginia or to and from Washington, D.C, whether you’re a senior or maybe a veteran or kids,” Romero said. “Kids are half price if they’re traveling with an adult. So, if you’re taking a family vacation, it can actually be cheaper to get on the train than it is to drive your car.”

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