NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — After breaking ground four years ago and welcoming trains on August 22, Newport News city leaders cut the ribbon Thursday at the city's new transportation center.
The $53.3 million station features a 3,450-square foot indoor waiting area with a ticket counter, restrooms and vending machines. It also has accessible pathways and Virginia's second high-level platform. The ADA-compliant boarding area lines up with train doors for more accessible boarding.
"This is a great day for the city of Newport News," said Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones. "We can increase the options for our infrastructure, for our transportation."
There are currently two roundtrip trains that run from the station to Richmond, Washington, D.C., Alexandria and other northeast cities. There are also plans to expand routes in the coming years.
"The pieces are in place," said Mike McLaughlin, chief operating officer of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. "There will be a third roundtrip train coming in a few more years so people can get where they want to, whether it be New York, D.C. or even Boston."
Mayor Jones added, "How can we put all of this to come together at the nexus to increase quality of life? That’s the future of this place."
Amtrak Vice President of Customer Services Robert Jordan told ceremony attendees Thursday, the Newport News Transportation Center is one of the nicest Amtrak stations in the country.
"It’s rare when you have a modern station like this that fits the needs of all the customers that utilize it, plus it’s intermodal," Jordan said. "That, on top of its gorgeous design, it’s now one of the finest stations we have in the system."
When asked about the prospect of bringing high-speed rail to the area, Jordan said, "Right now high-speed is just in the northeast quarter because of the electrical catenary that needs to be utilized for that." An electrical catenary is the system of overhead wires that supplies power to high-speed, electric trains.
William Harrel, president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, also addressed the possibility for growth in the area.
"We’re improving our routes on the Peninsula and we’re moving to the Southside, as well. We’re going to have our route 108 stop at this location," he explained.
Bus service to Norfolk and Virginia Beach is also available at the center, along with taxis and shuttles to and from the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport.
To celebrate Thursday's ribbon cutting, Amtrak announced a sale on tickets to and from Newport News and Washington, D.C. between Sept. 19 and Nov. 3.
The company is offering 25% off Flex Fare prices in Coach Class for travel between the two cities, including to Alexandria, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond, and Williamsburg.
Tickets must be booked by Sept. 21, to get the sale price.