The commonwealth’s potential acquisition of the Manassas Line from Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS), announced June 4 by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), could benefit VRE. While negotiations are in the early stages, VPRA notes it and NS “have established a mutually beneficial framework for both passenger and freight rail service.
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According to VPRA, acquisition of the Manassas Line would allow VRE to increase weekday service and add weekend trains, moving beyond the traditional commuting model. VRE’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes funds to launch Saturday service, once agreements are reached with NS, CSX and Amtrak.
VPRA’s announcement brings VRE a step closer to becoming a regional rail service, as envisioned in the commonwealth’s $4 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative and VRE’s draft System Plan 2050.