Who We Are

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. The VPRA will administer all capital expansion projects, infrastructure, and land acquisitions related the Transforming Rail in Virginia Program, which will double Amtrak and VRE service in Virginia over the next decade.

Mission

It shall be the duty of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to sustain, improve, identify, encourage and promote an increase in passenger rail capacity, services and ridership to mitigate current and future traffic congestion on Commonwealth highways and promote economic development of the Commonwealth through connecting population centers with passenger and commuter rail service and increasing availability of such service.

Vision

Need to further develop. Increase transportation options, economic growth and environmentally sustainable opportunities in the Commonwealth.

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Authority Legislation

Established by Chapter 1230 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly

Commonwealth Rail Fund

Virginia established the Commonwealth Rail Fund to streamline transportation funding in the Commonwealth, dedicating 93 percent of funds to the VPRA and the remaining 7 percent to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. These changes reflect the Commonwealth’s commitment to intercity passenger rail growth and expansion.