In a rare mid-year budget session of the Commonwealth Transportation Board two new daily train services received funding approval.  There are still contract issues to be worked out with CSX, NS and Amtrak, but train service could begin as early as October.  The first of two services that received the funding are a daily run from Lynchburg to Washington DC, with stops in Charlottesville and Culpeper.  The second service will connect Richmond and Washington DC with an additional daily train.  Both projects will be funded for a three year trial period.  After that, a decision on whether to keep the lines operational will depend on actual and anticipated ridership.  While not a convenient as a commuter line, the new services will enhance to connection between Lynchburg, Richmond and Washington and should help keep more cars off the roads.  

I am a big proponent of an improved (and therefore useful) rail system in the US, so this is good news for me.  Hopefully, the citizens of Richmond and Lynchburg will use the services and they can be extended beyond the three year trial period.