State-supported rail lines in Virginia set a new ridership record in July.
“Passenger counts on Virginia’s state-supported train services hit an all-time high in July, with more than 110,000 travelers,” according to an article published by the Sun Gazette. “That’s an increase of nearly 29 percent from June and a jump of nearly 20 percent from pre-pandemic levels, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VRPA).”
The spike in ridership can be traced to an increased number of round trips between Washington, D.C., Roanoke, and Norfolk, as well as the resumption of a trip between D.C. and Newport News.
More details on the increased ridership on each of those routes is included in the source article.
The latest ridership figures provide more evidence to support the benefits of the state’s ongoing investments in intercity rail. Here is a timeline of Planetizen coverage of the state’s efforts to improve rail service around the state:
- Virginia Railway Express Wants to Upgrade its Transit Status (July 2016)
- Virginia to Pay $3.7 Billion for 225 Miles of Rail Track (December 2019)
- A Regional Vision for Virginia, Maryland, D.C. Rail (February 2021)
- How Virginia Became a Leader in Passenger Rail (June 2021)
Information on the Transforming Rail VA initiative is also available at the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s website.
FULL STORY: Data: Va.’s subsidized train routes finding success
Virginia Passenger Rail Sets Ridership Records, Seeks More Wins
Virginia’s commitment to intercity rail is paying off in record ridership numbers, but more work will be necessary to achieve the state’s ambitions for passenger rail.
Maryland Moving Forward with Inter-State Partnerships for ‘Run-Through’ Rail Service
The great unification of D.C.-region rail transit is well underway, thanks to recent agreements between transit planners in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Minnesota Republicans Kill Passenger Rail, Freeway Cap Projects
Republicans in the Minnesota State Senate blocked the planning of a proposed passenger rail route between Duluth and the Twin Cities in addition to a plan for a freeway cap in a historically Black neighborhood in St. Paul.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions