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Yesterday, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) released the “Advancing Passenger Rail in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Short Term Action Plan,” which recommends ways to improve passenger-rail service in the state. Developed by Amtrak, the plan is part of the agency’s efforts to develop a comprehensive statewide rail plan.

The national intercity passenger railroad evaluated seven potential service improvements and/or expansions corresponding with key Virginia corridors. Each alternative includes service implementation requirements, such as the need for rolling stock, track and storage facilities. The plan also addresses operational issues, such as the amount of subsidy required, current and projected freight- and passenger-rail traffic on the proposed route, and connectivity of the enhanced service to Amtrak’s service routes.

DRPT is developing a plan to expand rail service and improve service reliability, and will take the Amtrak report into consideration. The agency expects to complete the plan in summer.