Amtrak Boosts Rail Travel in North Carolina and Virginia

Train travel surges, and Amtrak reports record numbers in North Carolina and Virginia for 2024. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In Fiscal Year 2024, Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond, Virginia, tops the list with over 350,000 passengers, followed by stations in Alexandria, Charlotte, Raleigh, Lorton’s Auto Train, and Norfolk.

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These key stations connect travelers to diverse cities, offering frequent services across the Northeast and Southeast daily. For example, Amtrak’s Auto Train carries roughly 230,000 passengers yearly between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, without stops.

Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President of Strategy & Planning, praises the surge with clear optimism. “Rising passenger numbers show strong demand, and both states invest heavily in sustainable travel options,” she states firmly.

Amtrak achieves a historic milestone in Fiscal Year 2024, transporting 32.8 million passengers across the country. This record-breaking figure reflects a 15% increase from 2023, showcasing rail travel’s growing appeal.

Amtrak Enhances Connectivity in Virginia

Amtrak Virginia, backed by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, runs 12 daily trains to Richmond’s Staples Mill Road Station. Travelers reach Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, Boston, and southern cities like Charlotte and Miami effortlessly.

Beyond Richmond, Amtrak Virginia connects Alexandria, Manassas, Newport News, Norfolk, Roanoke, and 11 other communities. This wide network ensures accessibility and supports Virginia’s aim to improve regional transit options.

DJ Stadtler, VPRA’s Executive Director, highlights Virginia’s key role in rail connectivity with assurance. “Our stations link the Southeast and Northeast, and passenger growth proves our strategic value,” he declares boldly.

The Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative pushes progress by securing railroad rights and expanding capacity. Thus, this effort enhances reliability for passenger and freight services, meeting the region’s growing needs effectively.

In North Carolina, the Piedmont and Carolinian trains serve nearly 721,000 passengers with daily trips between Raleigh and Charlotte. These state-supported services, operated by Amtrak, link New York to Charlotte smoothly.

Amtrak Drives Growth in North Carolina

Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division Director, celebrates the state’s rail success with evident enthusiasm. “Since 2022, passenger numbers soar, and rail travel fuels economic growth across North Carolina,” he explains.

North Carolina commits to upgrading rail infrastructure, aiming to expand services throughout the Southeast region. As a result, the state expects sustained growth, delivering efficient travel solutions that bolster local economies.

Travelers choose these stations for their flexibility, convenience, and access to varied destinations across the nation. Hence, North Carolina and Virginia cement their roles as vital hubs in America’s thriving rail system.

Amtrak’s investments and state partnerships propel this growth, driving upgrades and service enhancements nationwide. Together, they create a reliable network that meets modern demands and exceeds traveler expectations.

This boom in rail travel signals a shift toward sustainable and efficient transportation solutions across the United States. Ultimately, North Carolina and Virginia stations lead the charge, shaping the future of regional connectivity.

Source: www.globalrailwayreview.com

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