Virginia rail agency schedules public meeting on state rail plan

The Virgina Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will host a virtual public meeting on June 1 as part of its ongoing development of the 2026 state rail plan. 

The meeting will provide an overview of the rail planning process, share initial findings from early data collection efforts and offer participants an opportunity to provide feedback on rail preferences, strategies and travel habits. 

The input will help ensure the updated plan reflects the needs and priorities of passengers, freight partners and communities across Virginia, DRPT officials said in a press release. 

The plan establishes a vision for the future of rail in the state, outlining both short-term (up to six years) and long-term (up to 20 years) investment horizons. The plan will guide future improvements to freight- and passenger-rail services, including infrastructure, operations and safety considerations, DRPT officials said. 

The DRPT works with rail and public transportation stakeholders to provide services throughout Virginia and promotes transportation options to the general public, businesses and community decision makers.