VHSR Goals

Goals: 2007-2008

Short term:

Ø Appropriate funding for intercity passenger rail.

Ø Amend the Rail Enhancement Fund (REF) to give the Director of the Department of Rail & Public Transportation (DRPT) the authority to waive or reduce the 30% match requirement.

Ø Expand passenger rail service between Washington, DC and Richmond via Amtrak or Virginia Railway Express.

Ø Expand passenger rail service between Washington, DC and Charlottesville

Ø Maintain current passenger rail service on the Richmond to Newport News passenger rail line.

Ø Passage of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 through the US House of Representatives. (Passed US Senate 70 to 22)

Ø Completion of the Richmond to Hampton Roads Passenger Rail Study.

Long term:

Ø Addition of a third track between Washington and Richmond.

Ø Passenger rail service between Richmond and southern Hampton Roads via Petersburg

Ø The TransDominion Express from Bristol to Lynchburg then to Washington and Richmond

Ø Improve passenger rail-car service between Richmond and Newport News by adding sleeper cars for overnight trains, lounges, and other amenities.

Ø Implementation of the CSX’s southeast higher-speed rail Corridors of the Future proposal