This week, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of state-funded rail service between Norfolk and Washington, DC.  The service, made possible through agreements with Norfolk Southern and CSX, began with one roundtrip on December 12, 2012. The service has grown to three roundtrips daily and has carried more than 1.7 million passengers over the past ten years.

When the service launched through an agreement between the Commonwealth, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Transportation (CSXT), it marked the return of passenger rail service to Norfolk for the first time since 1977.  The service grew over the years, adding a second roundtrip in March of 2019 and a third roundtrip just this past July.

“The growth and expansion of our state-supported service to Norfolk would not be possible without the strong partnership we share with Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Together we are working towards a goal of establishing rail at the forefront of Virginia’s transportation network and looking at the ridership growth of the Norfolk service, Virginians increasingly support that goal.”

“Norfolk Southern is proud of our partnership with the State of Virginia, Amtrak, and CSX to serve passengers in the state while continuing to move the goods that power the U.S. economy,” said John Edwards, General Director Passenger Policy at Norfolk Southern. “This service remains an example of how thoughtful collaboration and deliberate investment come together to fulfill transportation needs for all.”

The service continues to grow with most recent ridership figures showing an increase year-over-year and also an increase over pre-pandemic numbers.