Posted March 26, 2025

Upgrades improve accessibility and communications

RICHMOND — To provide the most up-to-date train status information to customers, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), Amtrak, and the City of Richmond have collaborated on the installation of a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) at the Amtrak Station on Main Street in Richmond, Va. 

The system provides customers with real-time information on train arrivals and departures and track assignments in audible and visual formats.  This system can also announce essential updates information during service disruptions. PIDS is equipped with an adaptive sound system that adjusts to different environmental noise levels. This allows the system to detect ambient noise and alter the volume of announcements during special events at the station. 

Amtrak Virginia trains offer direct service to the Main Street Station to and from Newport News, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and as far north as Boston. The station is on the National Historic Landmark and located in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom district. 

Other Virginia stations are equipped with PIDS including Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Williamsburg, and the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond, Va.

“Bringing PIDS to Main Street Station is a huge benefit to our passengers,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Information is key in our industry and providing necessary train information in a timely manner will only enhance the customer experience.”

“Improving accessibility across all modes of transportation throughout the city is one of the most important objectives of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, states Dironna Moore Clarke, DPW Deputy Director.  

“Amtrak is committed to providing timely and accurate customer communications across all channels – in stations, on board trains, via our mobile apps and our various web-based platforms,” said Dr. David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations & Facilities CAO. “Thanks to VPRA, the City of Richmond and our dedicated, multi-departmental team for this modern and accessible system that will enhance the travel experience.”

Amtrak collaborated closely with the City of Richmond throughout the design process to ensure the system met the architectural standards of Main Street Station.  City officials provided valuable input during both the design and installation phases to ensure the new system preserved the station’s historical significance.

Plans are underway to install PIDS at the Amtrak Station in Ashland, Va.

About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, gift cards and more.

City of Richmond – Main Street Station

Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm, and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

The City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility of the Department of Public Works will host a public engagement forum that evaluates alignment alternatives of the Fall Line Trail through Bryan Park. This informational forum will take place Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Richmond Police Department Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

Serving as a gateway to the city, Bryan Park will not only house the northernmost city segment out of fourteen segments on the trail but also serve as a trailhead for thousands of existing and future park visitors. Trailhead amenities include parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, recreational space, and picnic shelters. Having these facilities at the trailhead allows users of the trail to rest, refuel, and enjoy the natural surroundings of the space.

“The City has worked with the region through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) on the FLT Project, as a collective investment for the region. This project will enhance accessibility and make it easier for all residents to enjoy the park and its amenities,” said Dironna Moore Clarke, Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works. “The Fall Line Trail represents the City’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation options.”

The 43-mile Fall Line Trail passes through seven Virginia localities: the Town of Ashland, Hanover County, Henrico County, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, the City of Colonial Heights, and the City of Petersburg.

For information about the trail visit:

• City of Richmond- Fall Line Trail | Richmond (rva.gov)
• Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA)- Central Virginia Transportation Authority | Plan RVA
• Sportsbackers- Fall Line - Central Virginia's Transformative Trail (falllinetrail.org)

Posted March 26, 2025

No taxpayer information inappropriately released or compromised

Earlier this week, the City of Richmond printed and mailed property tax rebate checks to several thousand residents with an incorrect name printed on the checks. Importantly, no taxpayer information has been released or compromised in any way. The Department of Finance is in the process of cancelling and reissuing the affected checks.

The four-cent rebate, designed to benefit all Richmond property owners, is still fully secure, and there are no concerns regarding identity theft or misuse of personal data.

"I sincerely apologize for this mistake and understand the frustration it may cause for our residents," said Jamie Atkinson, Director of Revenue. "I'm working with my team to quickly rectify the error and will ensure that all affected checks are canceled and reissued with the correct information."

The City is already in the process of contacting affected residents to inform them of the error and provide additional information.

The City of Richmond encourages any residents with concerns or questions to reach out to the City's customer service team directly. Residents who received checks with incorrect names can contact RVA311 by dialing 311 or 804-646-7000 or visiting rva311.com for further assistance.

Posted March 24, 2025

Today, the City of Richmond's Department of Housing and Community Development released a study on the current status of the City's manufactured housing communities. The study, requested by City Council, was conducted and prepared by project:HOMES, a regional firm that owns and operates manufactured housing communities and provides repair and support services for those communities. The study assesses Richmond's manufactured housing communities and outlines financial and operational challenges, including maintenance of aging homes, deteriorating infrastructure, and the high cost of unit replacement.

The study highlights the unique challenges facing these communities, particularly when it comes to financing. Manufactured homes in these communities are titled as vehicles rather than real estate, which makes them ineligible for traditional home equity loans or mortgages. The limited financing options that are available typically require a 20% down payment with high interest rates which makes it difficult for most residents to purchase new units. The average annual income for families living in Richmond's manufactured home communities is less than $38,000.

To address resident needs moving forward, the report recommends:

• While it is unlikely that the City can establish long-term affordability solutions with existing park landowners, the City can direct short-term grant investments toward owner-occupants through repairs and support services. However, this is not a sustainable solution.

• Continuing zoning and building code enforcement with careful consideration of impacts on current residents

• Ensuring any new manufactured housing developments are mission- or resident-owned to sustain affordability

• Not approving additional land for manufactured housing communities until better financing options become available

project:HOMES operates a manufactured home repair program funded by the City of Richmond. This program completed 20 home repair projects in FY2024, with 30 in progress or planned for FY2025 and 50 planned for FY2026. Common repairs include window replacements, flooring structure improvements, roof repairs, and addressing electrical hazards.

The More You Know

• Seven of the communities are located in the 8th District and one is in the 9th District.

• The eight manufactured home communities in Richmond host 419 occupied manufactured homes and approximately 1,257 residents.

• These homes are, on average, 49 years old.

• Families living in these homes have an average annual income of $37,856 and a household size of three people.

• A little less than half of residents are children (43%).

• Cost to replace a manufactured home averages $120,000.

About project:HOMES: project:HOMES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that takes an all-encompassing approach to housing. We challenge the misconceptions of what defines affordable housing through the production and preservation of high-quality affordable homes, large-scale home repairs, and improved accessibility and energy efficiency for existing homes.

Posted March 20, 2025

RICHMOND, VA – Last night, a Dominion Energy system failure created an issue with one of the city’s power substations. The failure created a disruption to the streetlighting system, resulting in an outage. The streetlight outage extends in the following areas:

• North at Laburnum Avenue, North Avenue, and E. Ladies Mile Road to
• South on Valley Road and I-64, to the
• East on the Henrico county and City of Richmond line, then
• West to Chamberlayne Avenue, Brookland Park Avenue, W. Norwood Avenue, and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike

Our team is actively working on restoring service as quickly and safely as possible. At this time, we do not have an estimated time of restoration. We understand the importance of this issue and are committed to providing updates as necessary.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.

Please send questions to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

Updates will be posted on the city’s social media and website at rva.gov

###

The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1