DRPT

The Virginia CTB has approved new policies that change the way VRE is funded and reform from the governance and funding of WMATA.

Transit Briefs: TTC, NYMTA, VRE/WMATA, ATP, Brightline

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) proposes new investments in customer service, community safety and security initiatives. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction & Development (C&D) achieves insurance costs and risk assessment savings of nearly $400 million; Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approves new Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) policies; Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) approves $190 million spending plan for fiscal year 2024; and Brightline announces Orlando transportation partners.

The Buckingham Branch (BBRR) operates across four divisions and 280 miles of track in Virginia. (DRPT Photograph)
  • News

FRA OKs Virginia Rail Plan

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) 2022 Statewide Rail Plan has received approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

At the Ashton Creek Industrial Park in Virginia (pictured), Commonwealth Building Materials will use a new DRPT grant-supported rail spur to grow capacity for 1,365 new annual carloads.
  • M/W

DRPT Issues Rail Industrial Access Program Grant

The Ashton Creek Industrial Park LLC in Chesterfield County, Va., will receive a $450,000 Rail Industrial Access Program grant to support construction of a rail spur, to be served by CSX, according to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), which administers the program.

Virginia CTB Approves New Rail Spur at Hershey Chocolate Facility

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced Jan. 18 that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has approved a $450,000 grant through the agency’s Rail Industrial Program to Hershey Chocolate of Virginia Inc. for construction of a new 4,750-foot rail spur to be served by Norfolk Southern (NS) at the snack company’s Augusta County facility.

Zach Trogdon (left) has been appointed as Virginia DRPT's Chief of Public Transportation and KCSM President, General Manager and Executive Representative Oscar Del Cueto Cuevas (right) has been appointed President of the Mexican Railway Association (AMF).
  • News

People News: DRPT, KCSM

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) names Zach Trogdon Chief of Public Transportation. Also, Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) President, General Manager and Executive Representative Oscar Del Cueto Cuevas is appointed President of the Mexican Railway Association (AMF).

Jennifer Mitchell, incoming Deputy Administrator, FRA

Jennifer Mitchell Joining FRA

Jennifer Mitchell is moving on from her position as Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to join the Federal Railroad Administration in April as Deputy Administrator, DRPT reported on March 11. Jennifer DeBruhl will serve as acting Director starting March 18.

FRA Green-Lights DC2RVA Project

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), announced that the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Washington, D.C., to Richmond Southeast Higher Speed Rail Project (DC2RVA) has been signed, completing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) study process and making the project eligible to receive additional federal funding to advance project planning.