Amtrak, CSX, and local, state, and federal agencies partnered on a new $53 million multimodal transit center that connects Newport News and the regional bus system to Amtrak Virginia and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.
Virginia has a new multimodal regional transit center that connects travelers on Amtrak Virginia and the regional bus system, according to an article from Mass Transit. The Newport News Transportation Center opened on August 22, which “will provide two daily Amtrak Virginia roundtrips between Newport News and Richmond and Alexandria, Va., Washington, D.C., and cities in the northeast” and “serve as a transfer point for Amtrak Thruway Bus Service, extending travel to Norfolk and Virginia Beach and for Hampton Roads Transit, taxi service and shuttles to and from the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport,” Mass Transit reports. “In addition to a new station and platform, the project also includes the construction of a maintenance facility, where crews will service and clean trains in preparation for the next day’s departures.”
The $53 million project is the result of 12 years of planning and a partnership between Amtrak, the city of Newport News, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, CSX, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Transportation. VPRA Executive Director DJ Stadtler told Mass Transit it is a “shining example of … what can be accomplished with strong partnerships between stakeholders.”
“The new transportation center comes as the service is experiencing record ridership,” the article reports. Indeed, last year, Virginia Passenger Rail ridership hit an all-time high of 1.26 million passengers in the fiscal year, smashing its previous record of just under 900,000 in 2015, according to an article from the Washington Post.
FULL STORY: Amtrak and partners open Newport News Transportation Center
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024
More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.
The Passenger Rail Revival Is Here
For the first time in decades, multiple rail projects are moving forward that could have a transformative impact on train travel in the United States.
Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Awarded $16.4 Billion in Federal Funds
The funding will support track construction, bridge replacement, and other upgrades to make passenger train service faster and more reliable.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service