Bikes on Trains Now Available at Richmond Main Street Station

                Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 15, 2018

Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Contact: Kelsey Webb

Email: kelsey.webb@drpt.virginia.gov
(
804) 840-0575

Bikes on Trains Now Available at Richmond Main Street Station
 DRPT and Amtrak Launch Pilot Program Beginning May 18th ~

RICHMOND -- The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is pleased to announce that beginning this Friday May 18th, Amtrak will for the first time allow passengers to reserve and board their bicycles at downtown Richmond’s Main Street Station (RVM).

The pilot program will now allow the current bicycle and baggage service between Newport News and Boston on the Amtrak Northeast Regional train to be provided at Main Street Station, offering a new, safe, and direct option to cyclists riding the Virginia Capital Trail between Richmond and Williamsburg (WBG), as well as direct access to the many amenities and attractions near both city centers.

The announcement comes amid national recognition of May as National Bike Month, as well as Virginia's own celebration of Bike to Work Week May 14th - May 18th, and Bike to Work Day, also on Friday, May 18th.

“The Commonwealth is proud to offer this new service to our passenger rail customers in Virginia,”said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell.  “Bicycle service at Main Street Station will provide safer and easier access to the Capital Trail and of Virginia’s great cultural and historic attractions. We are confident this pilot program will build off the success of the Capital Trail, which has positively contributed to the local economies along its route.”

In addition to the current bicycle and baggage service on the route, as well as Capital Trail Access, Richmond-Main Street Station also provides direct and convenient access to multi-modal transportation connections in downtown Richmond, including the Greater Richmond Transit Company's new Bus Rapid Transit system, The Pulse, which begins service June 24th and will also accommodate bikes.

The pilot extension service will not affect current arrival and departure schedules along the route.  Space is limited to six bicycles in each direction.  Customers must reserve in advance by booking online at https://www.amtrak.com/virginia.

Bicycle reservation fees are $20 in addition to normal ticketed fares. The pilot program is currently limited to travel between Richmond-Main Street station and other staffed Amtrak stations in Virginia along the Newport News to Washington, D.C. state-sponsored corridor. The pilot will conclude October, 2018.  DRPT will evaluate its success throughout to determine if year-round operation and connectivity to other stations north of Washington, D.C. is feasible.

Passengers may continue to bring bikes aboard the train at staffed stations between Newport News and Boston, including: Richmond-Staples Mill, Alexandria, and Washington, D.C.  The Newport News to Boston Northeast Regional train connects Virginia to and from major northeast destinations like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City, where bicycle and baggage services are also available. 

Richmond-Main Street to Williamsburg Friday and Saturday Sunday through Thursday
 

Train 65 departs Richmond Main Street Station at 9:34 A.M. and arrives in Williamsburg at 10:38 A.M.

Train 67 departs Richmond Main Street Station at 10:10 am and arrives in Williamsburg at 11:14 A.M.
Williamsburg to Richmond-Main Street

Daily

 

Train 66 departs Williamsburg at 5:41 P.M. and arrives at Richmond Main Street Station at 6:30 P.M.

Amtrak can provide the most updated information concerning bike size guidelines, loading and boarding instructions, and fare information. As always, customers can save 25% on passenger fares by booking at least 14 days in advance.

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.