Amtrak Adds New Track to Washington Union Station
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Virginia Railway Express Rippon station in Woodbridge, Va. (photo by David C. Lester)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amtrak has added a new track and platform at Washington Union Station that it says will expand service capacity and improve the overall customer experience.
The new WUS track will serve selected trains in the station, including Amtrak Long Distance and Amtrak Virginia trains that connect to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) along with Virginia Railway Express (VRE) (commuter) trains.
Amtrak President Roger Harris said “As Amtrak ridership continues to break records, this investment is key to easing rail congestion and improving service reliability at Amtrak’s second busiest station, along the Northeast Corridor, and into Virginia. This is yet another example of Amtrak’s commitment to creating a safer, more reliable, and more welcoming environment at this gateway to our nation’s capital.”
VRE CEO Rich Dalton said “This is an exciting milestone for improved rail infrastructure in the region. The added station and track capacity at Union Station provided by the Track 22 Project enhances the reliability and flexibility of service for all passengers moving through the station, including VRE riders. This project is a crucial part of a collaborative effort to modernize this vital transportation hub and VRE looks forward to the benefits it brings to our riders and the broader rail network.”
Located in the lower level of Union Station, Track 22 was previously a train storage track, and customers did not have access to it. The new tracks in this area were enhanced with a new platform and refurbished historic columns in a station that is 118 years-old and has figured prominently in Washington life, politics, and presidential rail movements. All customers are able to access the refurbished area, which includes a new hallway leading to the area via a new elevator, escalator, and stairs that connect to the station.
Over a year ago, Amtrak took over responsibility for the day-to-day operations and management of Washington Union Station, and has since invested in several improvements in this important multi-modal hub. For example, the boarding process has been modified to reduce congestion and upgrade the customer experience, a new ticketed waiting area has been opened, providing more seating for customers, and the agency has introduced new retail options and advanced the state-of-good-repair to improve security, safety, and maintenance of the station.
