The enclosed Virginia State Rail Plan: Draft was available for public comment from September 19, 2017 through November 3, 2017.

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1 AGENDA ITEM #9: FOR YOUR INFORMATION A. Virginia State Rail Plan: Draft Virginia's rail network is a valuable asset for the Commonwealth. It provides an efficient means of moving freight and passengers both within and through the state. By diverting freight and passenger traffic from road to rail, Virginia's rail network relieves congestion, saves lives, improves air quality, helps grow the economy, and complements the Virginia highway network while reducing capital and maintenance expenditures. The enclosed Virginia State Rail Plan: Draft was available for public comment from September 19, 2017 through November 3, Enclosure 9 B. HRTPO Letter and Staff Comments on the Virginia State Rail Plan: Draft Attached is a letter, dated November 1, 2017, from Mr. Robert A. Crum, Jr., HRTPO Executive Director, to Ms. Jennifer Mitchell, Director, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), regarding HRTPO staff comments on the Virginia State Rail Plan. Attachment 9-B C. DRPT Reports Ridership Increases on Virginia Amtrak Routes Attached is a press release, dated November 16, 2017, from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), regarding increases in ridership across the Commonwealth. DRPT s Norfolk route, which includes one daily round trip to Washington, D.C., served 155,389 riders in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2017 (October 1, 2016 September 30, 2017), representing a six percent increase from FFY Ms. Cheryl Openshaw, Deputy Director, DRPT, commented at the November 16, 2017 HRTPO Board meeting that, There's some strong ridership gains that we're seeing, especially with the Norfolk train. We've seen a 6 percent increase in ridership over the past year. We attribute some of that to the regional marketing effort that has been put together by Hampton Roads, and we really appreciate that part for the marketing efforts. Attachment 9-C HRTPO Rail and Public Transportation Task Force Meeting December 7, 2017

2 D. Norfolk Amtrak Station 5-Year Anniversary Open House Attached is a flyer inviting committee members to attend the Open House scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the Norfolk Amtrak Station at Harbor Park. Attachment 9-D HRTPO Rail and Public Transportation Task Force Meeting December 7, 2017

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7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2017 DRPT: Kelsey Webb Phone: (804) DRPT Reports Ridership Increases on Virginia Amtrak Routes ~ Increases Across the Commonwealth Emphasize State's Commitment to Transportation Alternatives ~ RICHMOND Today, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced ridership increases on most Amtrak routes it supports in Virginia, reflecting demand for safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation alternatives. DRPT supports the operation of six Amtrak trains in Virginia that connect the Roanoke Valley, Central Virginia, and Hampton Roads to Washington, D.C. and to cities along Amtrak s Northeast Corridor. DRPT s Norfolk route, which includes one daily round trip to Washington, D.C., served 155,389 riders in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2017 (October 1, 2016 September 30, 2017), representing a six percent increase from FFY Also: The Lynchburg route (now the Roanoke route after its extension to the Star City on October 31, 2017) also runs a daily round trip to Washington, D.C. It served 189,811 riders in FFY 2017, increasing by 2.7 percent. The Newport News Route, which has two daily round trips to Washington, D.C., served 331,308 riders, increasing by 0.5 percent. The Richmond route also features two daily state-supported round trips to Washington, D.C. Ridership on these trains remained relatively steady by serving 174,935 riders. Attachment 9-C

8 Rail ridership increases across Virginia demonstrate that DRPT is meeting a transportation need that benefits citizens of the Commonwealth. Taking the train gets cars off crowded interstates, connects Virginians to business and leisure activities, and provides a dependable transportation alternative that improves mobility, said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. DRPT-supported Amtrak trains provide single-seat rides from Virginia stations all the way to Boston and also provide numerous other benefits. Café cars, quiet cars, in-seat power outlets, spacious seats, and free Wi-Fi on most trains deliver a comfortable trip to riders, whether they are relaxing or working on-board. Riding the train also reduces about 271 million miles of personal driving in Virginia every year, which prevents about 3,000 accidents and saves lives. Railroads are more fuel efficient due to a lesser production of harmful emissions than cars. In addition, trains also support a growing economy because freight and passenger rail services together support more than 6,000 jobs. During the holidays and ongoing construction of an enhanced, higher capacity parking lot at the Richmond Staples Mill Station, DRPT urges all passengers using the station to be dropped off, use Lyft, or allow ample time to park. Alternate parking is available at the Henrico County Park and Ride, located just five blocks from the station at the intersection of Cloverdale Avenue and Crockett Street. For additional information about DRPT s supported Amtrak routes in Virginia, visit: Attachment 9-C

9 Discount food truck vouchers available for the first 100 attendees Bring 5 canned food items for the local Food Bank for an additional prize entry YOU ARE INVITED TO THE NORFOLK AMTRAK STATION 5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE TOUR THE STATION, REGISTER TO WIN AND HAVE LUNCH! Prizes drawn on the hour: Roundtrip Amtrak tickets for two to New York City and Washington D.C. Washington Wizards Tickets Major League Baseball Tickets Baltimore, Philly, NYC, Boston, D.C. Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden Tickets Dickens Christmas Towne at Nauticus Family Pass And much more! FREE PARKING * REFRESHMENTS * PRIZE GIVEAWAYS DATE AND TIME Saturday, Tuesday, June Dec th 5:30PM 7am Coffee 8:30PM & Pastries 10am Special Remarks 11am-1pm Food Trucks Onsite LOCATION The Norfolk Virginia Amtrak Zoo 3500 Station Granby at Harbor Street Park Norfolk, 280 Park VA Avenue Norfolk VA, PUBLIC WORKS To reserve the station for your next community meeting call Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, used with permission. Attachment 9 D