Showing posts with label Thelma Drake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thelma Drake. Show all posts

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Important Milestone to Advance Interstate 66 Improvements

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Tier 1 EIS approved by Feds; Commonwealth Transportation Board to select one or more concepts next month

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the first step in making major improvements to one of the most congested corridors in the Commonwealth has been approved. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a record of decision on the 25-mile Tier 1 environmental impact statement (EIS) study of Interstate 66 from the Capital Beltway to Haymarket, clearing the way for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to select one or more of the final ten concepts for detailed analysis.

“Today’s approval of the I-66 Tier 1 EIS gives us the green light to move forward with finding the best short and long-term solutions,” said Governor McDonnell. “I-66 drivers sit in frustrating stop-and-go traffic on a daily basis with unpredictable travel times and few alternate options.  Getting I-66 moving again has been one of our top priorities, and I am pleased that we have reached this milestone.”

Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) identified 10 concepts to increase capacity within the corridor, as well as options to increase travel mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs, and enhance travel efficiency.

Concepts include adding general purpose lanes, constructing managed lanes (similar to the 495 Express Lanes and the future 95 Express Lanes), extending Metrorail and/or VRE, constructing light rail and/or bus rapid transit, improving chokepoints, intermodal connectivity, and safety and  intelligent transportation system enhancements.

“Advancing I-66 improvements is critical to the quality of life for commuters,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “The Commonwealth is working aggressively to provide better travel options in a heavily congested area so commuters can save time and cost.”

The CTB will select one or more of the concepts for study and VDOT will begin the Tier 2 analysis this spring and will complete it within two years.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with local governments and communities to ensure an open and transparent process,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley.

“I-66 improvements are critical to providing a better transportation facility for all commuters and travelers,” said DPRT Director Thelma Drake.  “The Commonwealth will continue to explore a wide range of options, including rail improvements.”

Public meetings were held in June 2011, and January and February of 2012. VDOT and DRPT hosted public hearings on Tier 1 Draft in March 2013.

More information on the study is available in the link below:http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/northernvirginia/i66_eis.asp
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Governor McDonnell Invites Public to Provide Input on Future Road, Rail, Transit Projects

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
 Governor of Virginia  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Public meetings take place Oct. 22 to Nov. 21

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today invited Virginia residents to attend the public meetings to be held across the state this fall so they can learn more about transportation projects funded in the current Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) and to provide comments for transportation improvements in the upcoming SYIP for fiscal years 2015-2020.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approves a SYIP for road, rail, and transit projects each June.

Speaking about the public meetings, Governor McDonnell said, “For the first time in 27 years, transportation in Virginia received a major boost, thanks to bipartisan cooperation in the General Assembly that allowed passage of legislation to provide much-needed, long-term sustainable funding for roads, bridges, and transit. Now I am looking to Virginians to provide their input on potential projects that will improve transportation.”

The meetings begin Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the state’s nine transportation districts. See list below for dates and locations.

CTB Chairman and Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton added, “The new transportation investment will support better roads and stimulate job and economic growth as well.  The state’s transportation program is $17.6 billion for the next six years, including $15.7 billion for highway, rail and public transportation projects in the current SYIP and $1.9 billion in new funding sources for Northern Virginia.  Much of the funding is going toward rehabilitating aging highways and bridges, improving safety and operations as well as increasing capacity to reduce congestion.  Already, VDOT has advertised more than $2 billion in projects during this year alone.” 

“The new transportation funding will help each motorist in Virginia reach their destination quicker and more safely,” said Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner Greg Whirley. “I am asking for your ideas, suggestions and input on how we can improve roads and bridges. You can do this by meeting with your regional transportation representatives during these fall planning meetings.”

“Due to the historic transportation funding bill signed into law this year,  the Commonwealth continues to provide for and grow its regional intercity passenger rail service and provide  for more public transportation choices, while reducing the amount of single-occupancy vehicles and maximizing the existing transportation infrastructure,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Projects include interstate, road, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation initiatives. They emphasize bridge and pavement projects along with those to improve safety and reduce congestion throughout the transportation network. All SYIP projects eligible for federal funding will be included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which documents how Virginia will obligate its federal money.

Representatives from the CTB, VDOT, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and planning district commissions (PDCs) will be at the meetings to discuss their respective projects and programs.

If you cannot attend, information about the meeting will be available Oct. 22 at www.virginiadot.org/2013fallmeetings.  Send comments on rail, public transportation, and transportation demand-management projects to: Public Information Officer, DRPT, 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, Va., 23219 orDRPTPR@drpt.Virginia.gov.  Send comments on highway projects to: Programming Director, VDOT, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, Va., 23219 or SixYearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov.  Comments will be accepted until Dec. 6, 2013.

Meeting schedule at each location*:
·         6 p.m.-7 p.m. – Open house displays and general discussion
·         7 p.m. – Moderated public meeting

Tuesday, October 22, 2013
VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
723 Woodlake Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Northside High School
6758 Northside High School Road
Roanoke, VA 24019

Wednesday, November 6, 2013
VDOT Central Office Auditorium
1221 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Wednesday, November 13, 2013
University of Mary Washington
Stafford Campus – University Hall (North Building)
125 University Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Thursday, November 14, 2013
Holiday Inn Staunton
Conference Center
152 Fairway Lane
Staunton, VA 24401

Monday, November 18, 2013
Germanna Community College
Daniel Technology Center
18121 Technology Drive
Culpeper, VA 22701

Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Holiday Inn and Suites
Bristol Convention Center
3005 Linden Drive
Bristol, VA 24202

Thursday, November 21, 2013
Kirkley Hotel and Conference Center
2900 Candler’s Mountain Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502

* You can find the localities that make up each district atwww.virginiadot.org or by calling 800-367-7623.
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Amtrak Ridership Grows

English: An Amtrak train on the NEC in NJ, as ...
  c 2005 joseph barillari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since 2009, Ridership on Virginia’s State-supported Amtrak Intercity Passenger Trains Has Almost Doubled~

Staples Mill Road station busiest in Virginia

 


RICHMOND - Today, Governor Bob McDonnell announced Amtrak Virginia service continues to grow year and after year, delivering statewide benefits, providing vital transportation services, advancing the Commonwealth’s economy, and demonstrating the value and convenience of intercity passenger rail.

           “The impressive increase in Amtrak Virginia ridership demonstrates why the state has become more involved with providing additional transportation choices for citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Governor McDonnell. “It is clear that Virginians embrace the idea of passenger rail and we are pleased to be able to continue to expand intercity passenger rail service, most recently to Norfolk, and in the future to Roanoke.”

Stations in Richmond (Staples Mill Road), Alexandria, Charlottesville, and Newport News are the busiest facilities in Virginia.

“Since 2009, the Commonwealth's state-supported Amtrak intercity passenger trains have seen ridership grow by 99.83 percent.  Dedicated funding for Amtrak Virginia trains was included in Governor Bob McDonnell's 2013 transportation package, HB 2313, to continue to support existing intercity passenger rail and to provide additional funding sources to expand services for Virginians,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.

                The Amtrak Virginia Lynchburg route had an increase of 7 percent. The Norfolk service has exceeded expectations as its one-year anniversary approaches. Both Amtrak Virginia trains provide same-seat service as far north as Boston.

                “People throughout the State are deciding on other modes of transportation rather than driving their vehicles to their destinations and often sitting in traffic,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).  “Train travel is an attractive option by providing a relaxing one-seat ride up to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, free Wi-Fi and the ability to work, read or just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the State during the journey.”

                Virginia and other state-supported services are vital links in the Amtrak national network.  The power of increasing demand for passenger rail is recognized through state investments to improve service, speed and safety.  In addition, states and communities realize stations served by Amtrak are anchors for economic development, catalysts for historic preservation and tourism growth, sites for commercial and cultural uses, and points of civic pride.

                “There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with DRPT and further expanding service in the Commonwealth.”

About Amtrak Virginia
Amtrak Virginia is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Amtrak to provide more rail travel choices in Virginia. The Lynchburg train was initiated in October 2009, and serves the following Virginia stations: Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Burke Centre, and Alexandria. The Richmond train was initiated in July 2010, and serves the following Virginia stations: Richmond-Staples Mill, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, and Alexandria. The Norfolk train launched in December 2012 and connects passengers to destinations north of the city. Amtrak Virginia service promotes economic, tourism and environmental benefits. Seewww.amtrakvirginia.com for more information.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland serves as vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares, and more information. For updates, Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter (@Amtrak), and check out their blog at blog.amtrak.com.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces New Park and Ride Resource to Help Travelers

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Interactive map interface assists with lot locations, options, and accommodations

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has launched an updated Park and Ride Lot website. The new website features a user-friendly interactive map interface with lot locations, options, and accommodations.
           
            Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This new interactive online resource is another example of our commitment to creative solutions that make government work better for Virginians.”

            “With approximately 300 Park and Ride lots located throughout the Commonwealth, this website serves as a valuable tool for motorists to use as part of their commute or other travel planning,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “The ease of use in finding Park and Ride Lots that fit specific motorists’ needs will assist with congestion relief throughout the state.”

            The Statewide Park and Ride Lot Inventory and Usage Study that was completed in early 2013 uncovered the need for an updated mapping tool. In addition to creating an improved website, the study included an analysis of user trends and developed a list of procedures and best practices, as well as lot recommendations using feedback from across the state.

            “The launch of the new website and mapping tool is very timely,” said Transportation Demand Management Program Manager Liz McAdory. “The site offers an interactive map that will provide commuters with easy access to a multitude of information about the Park and Ride Lots. Users are now able to get the information they need to plan their trip quickly and in one place.”

            The website uses a Google Map interface to assist travelers with locating a Park and Ride Lot, determine the availability of transportation options at each lot, and obtain information on specific amenities and accommodations, such as bike racks or lockers, bus shelters and lighting. The tool also provides photos of each lot for users to get a better glimpse of the location.

            Not only does the website easily and accurately provide updated information for lot users, it also hosts a multitude of information for commuters who may be interested in using alternate transportation modes, such as biking or transit.

            “More and more people are using public transportation, carpools and vanpools as a way to travel,” said Thelma DrakeDirector of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). “Park and Ride lots help commuters by serving as meeting places for carpools, vanpools and bus services. Working with VDOT on launching a more user-friendly Park and Ride website helps travelers find transportation options and fits DPRT’s mission of expanding transportation choices in the commonwealth.”

            To access VDOT’s new Park and Ride Lot website, visit www.virginiadot.org/parkandride
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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Releases Draft Performance-Based Operating Assistance Allocation Methodology Report

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND–Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) released the Draft Performance-Based Operating Assistance Allocation Methodology Report for public review and comment. The report is a result of a partnership between the Transit Service Delivery Advisory Committee (TSDAC) and DRPT in the development of a legislative mandated performance-based operating assistance allocation methodology that will distribute state operating assistance based on performance.

            “Efficient and effective transportation plays a major role in a successful transportation system,” said Governor McDonnell.  “Distribution of revenue based on accountability and rewarding efficiency within the transit agencies are important steps towards this goal.”

            “Today is a milestone in accomplishing a multi-year endeavor to develop a performance-based funding allocation methodology to distribute new state operating assistance to our transit providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said DRPT Director Thelma Drake.

            A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at the VDOT Auditorium, 1201 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a brief presentation at 6:00 followed by a brief question and answer period.

            The Draft Performance-Based Operating Assistance Allocation Methodology Report is posted online for a 45-day public review and comment period and can be viewed here.  The public may also provide written comments to the TSDAC and DRPT via the address below. Comments received before 45 days will be summarized in the Plan.  Please direct comments to the Department’s public information office at drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov or at the address below.

Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Rail & Public Transportation
600 East Main Street, Suite 2102
Richmond, VA 23219
Attention: Public Information Office – Performance –Based Operating Assistance Allocation Methodology. 

            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.  For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please visit the website at www.drpt.virginia.gov or contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Linda Maiden, 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.

About Department of Rail and Public Transportation:
The Department of Rail and Public Transportation’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.
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