Ribbon Cutting Marks Official Opening of Transportation Center

The City of Newport News celebrated the opening of its new Transportation Center today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This state-of-the-art facility will offer train service, providing two daily trips between Newport News and Richmond, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., and cities in the Northeast. The center will also serve as a transfer point for Amtrak Thruway Bus Service extending travel to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and for Hampton Roads Transit, taxi service and shuttles to and from the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.

"This Transportation Hub is not just about convenience, it is a boost for our economy by attracting more visitors, and positioning Newport News as a key transportation destination," said Mayor Phillip Jones. "As we open this exciting new chapter in our city's transportation story, I look forward to all the benefits this center will bring to our residents and travelers alike."

The multimodal facility officially opened on Aug. 22, welcoming customers traveling on Amtrak Virginia and the regional bus system. The project is a collaboration between Amtrak, the City of Newport News, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), CSX, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Plans are also underway for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) to provide service from the hub.

The ceremony speaker lineup highlighted the city's partners in this endeavor including Mayor Jones; Mike McLaughlin, VPRA; Robert Jordan, Amtrak; William Harrell, HRT; and Dr. Pat Woodbury, Newport News City Council.

To celebrate this opening, Amtrak has announced a limited time offer for travel between Washington, D.C. and Newport News. The sale offers at least 25% off Flex Fare prices in Coach Class for travel between the two cities, which includes Alexandria, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond, and Williamsburg, for trips between Sept. 19 and Nov. 3. The sale is only valid for sales booked now through Sept. 21.

The $53.3 million center, located at 500-B Bland Blvd., features a spacious parking lot and bus area, fully illuminated and accessible pathways leading to the building. All entrances are equipped with automatic doors. Customers will enjoy a 3,450-square foot waiting area, vending machines, restrooms, and ticket counter.

Train status and boarding information will be easily accessible through the advanced Passenger Information Display System (PIDS). The PIDS communicates train status, origin and destination stations, and other information and features bright, new LCD displays which are easier to read and will synchronize audio and visual messaging in the station.