Amtrak Virginia Ridership Booms Despite Budget Risks

Amtrak Virginia recorded its highest-ever ridership in 2025, but looming federal funding cuts threaten the service’s long-term expansion and infrastructure development plans. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Virginia investment drives record growth

Amtrak Virginia closed fiscal year 2025 with over 1.4 million riders, a 4.8% increase from the prior year. This milestone marks the highest usage since the service launched in 2009.

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Commuters and leisure travelers alike are choosing the train over congested highways like I-95. Richmond resident Justin Doyle highlighted environmental benefits and quality family time as his top reasons for using the service frequently.

Doyle’s travel includes destinations such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. He also enjoyed scenic routes like the Adirondack line from Montreal to New York. He noted that trains have grown noticeably more crowded in recent months.

Another passenger, Sam Runner, commutes from Richmond to D.C. He confirmed Doyle’s observations, reporting that return trips often reach full capacity. This trend reflects a wider shift toward rail in the commonwealth.

Amtrak Virginia expansion meets funding uncertainty

To meet growing demand, Virginia has invested $4–5 billion in rail infrastructure. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) acquired key corridors between Washington, D.C., Richmond, and North Carolina to support expanded Amtrak Virginia and Virginia Railway Express services.

These improvements fall under the Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which aims to double service and ease overcrowding during peak times. But federal support for these projects now hangs in the balance.

Congressional cuts to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law removed $2.3 billion in rail funding, as reported by The Architect’s Newspaper. Additionally, a 91% drop in Amtrak’s discretionary funds and 450 job eliminations — reported by Reuters — have raised concerns.

Danny Plaugher, from Virginians for High-Speed Rail, warned that Virginia can’t maintain momentum alone. He urged lawmakers to back the next House Appropriations Committee transportation bill with robust grant programs.

Despite these headwinds, current efforts like the Long Bridge Project remain fully funded. Still, state officials acknowledge that future progress depends on securing consistent Federal Railroad Administration support.

FAQ Section

What is Amtrak Virginia?

Amtrak Virginia is a state-supported passenger rail service connecting key cities across the Commonwealth. It launched in 2009 and continues to expand.

Can Amtrak Virginia continue growing without federal support?

Expansion may slow without federal grants. While Virginia has invested heavily, state leaders stress the need for national funding partnerships.

How many passengers used Amtrak Virginia in 2025?

More than 1.4 million people rode Amtrak Virginia in fiscal year 2025, marking a 4.8% increase from the previous year.

Source: virginiamercury.com

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