Public asked to comment on ideas for faster, more reliable passenger trains

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has scheduled three public information meetings Dec. 8, 9 and 10 for the Washington, D.C. to Richmond Southeast High Speed Rail (DC2RVA) project.

The reason for the meetings is to present the most feasible improvement alternatives for faster, more reliable intercity passenger rail service.

The public is invited to attend a public information meeting to learn details of the project and talk with the project team.

Identical open-house meetings will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Fredericksburg, Springfield and Richmond, with a presentation offered at 6 p.m.

An online public meeting also is available from Dec. 7, 2015 through Jan. 8, 2016 at http://www.DC2RVArail.com/online-meeting.

Fredericksburg meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg, VA. For more information go to http://www.ridefred.com

Springfield meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, at Hilton Springfield, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield, VA. For more information go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector

Richmond meeting is Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at VA Dept. of Motor Vehicles, 2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA. For more information go to http://www.ridegrtc.com

Meeting attendees will learn about and have an opportunity to provide input on:

• Results of the initial alternatives screening process.

• Preliminary alternatives for further design and detailed evaluation as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

• Richmond area station and track options.

“As part of this project we are evaluating opportunities to improve service reliability, increase the frequency of the trains and reduce travel time,” said Emily Stock, project manager for DC2RVA. “We are looking at potential station locations in Richmond along with various alternatives to add additional capacity to the corridor between Washington, D.C. and Richmond. DRPT’s goal is to make this service more dependable and provide the public with a competitive travel option.”

Although comments and questions may be submitted at any time, comments to be considered during this part of the alternatives review process must be received by Jan. 8, 2016.

Ways to comment:
• Electronic comment form on the project website.
• Leave comments on the toll-free project hotline: 888-832-0900 or TDD 711.
• Mail comments to: Emily Stock, Manager of Rail Planning, DC2RVA Project Office, 801 East Main Street, Suite 1000, Richmond, VA 23219.

Meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. DRPT strives to provide reasonable accommodations and services for persons who require assistance to participate. For special assistance, call the Title VI Compliance Officer, 804-786-4440 or TDD 711 at least 72 hours prior to the public meeting.