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
