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RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, D.C. - Beginning October 1, Amtrak Virginia expands daily round-trip Northeast Regional service between Lynchburg, Washington, D.C. and points north along the Northeast Corridor with tickets now available for purchase at a reduced rate.
The new passenger rail service — originating in Lynchburg for the first time — has Virginia stops in Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas and Alexandria, including Virginia Railway Express connections at Burke Center and L'Enfant Plaza. In fact, a passenger can now travel directly from Lynchburg to destinations as far north as Boston and never have to change trains.
"This new service gives everyone more reasons than ever to let someone else do the driving," said Charles Badger, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. "With a one-seat ride as far north as Boston and as far south as Lynchburg seven days a week, it's easy to book your business travel, a weekend getaway, a family visit or that first trip to college."
"For leisure travelers, this is a great way to visit sights in Virginia and north of Washington without facing long highway traffic delays," said Jay McArthur of Amtrak's Policy and Development Department, noting that Virginia is the 15th state to partner with Amtrak to operate state-supported trains.
The new service is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of a three-year pilot program designed to provide more transportation options for Virginians. The pilot program also includes new service between Richmond and the Northeast Corridor, slated to begin in December 2009.
Passengers who book travel on Amtrak's Northeast Regional service now through December 16 may take advantage of a fare promotion which offers up to 25 percent off the lowest published coach fare on Northeast Regional service between Lynchburg, Washington, D.C., New York and Boston. Sample one-way fares include $66 between Lynchburg and New York and $71 between Lynchburg and Boston.
Reservations are required for travel and must be made at least 14 days in advance of travel. Some restrictions apply. Tickets can be purchased at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
About Amtrak Virginia
Amtrak Virginia is a program developed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Amtrak to provide more rail travel choices in Virginia. With the addition of this new service, the train originates in Lynchburg for the first time ever and passengers from Richmond will have hourly morning service from the state capital to the Northeast Corridor. The new service promotes economic, tourism and environmental benefits. For reservations, visit Amtrak.com or call I-800-USA-RAIL.
About Amtrak
Amtrak has posted six consecutive years of growth in ridership and revenue, carrying more than 28.7 million passengers in the last fiscal year. Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system. In Virginia, Amtrak operates more than 20 trains daily from 21 train stations across the state. Over one-million train trips were made from Virginia locations in fiscal year 2008. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
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