New Platform Opens at Washington Union Station for Amtrak and VRE Trains

A new boarding platform and track at Washington Union Station have officially opened for service, increasing rail capacity and operational flexibility.

Designated as Track 22, the facility will primarily serve Virginia Railway Express (VRE) services, in addition to Amtrak’s long-distance and Virginia-specific routes that connect to the Northeast Corridor.

The platform is located on the lower level of Union Station and was previously used as a storage track without public access. Its transformation included the installation of new rails, the reconstruction of the platform, and restoration work on the station’s original structural columns. The 118-year-old station now features an accessible passageway to the platform, complete with an elevator, escalator, and stairs.

Amtrak President Roger Harris said:

As Amtrak ridership continues to break records, this investment is key to easing rail congestion and improving service reliability at Amtrak’s second busiest station, along the Northeast Corridor, and into Virginia. This is yet another example of Amtrak’s commitment to creating a safer, more reliable, and more welcoming environment at this gateway to our nation’s capital.

Since Amtrak assumed full management and operational responsibility for Union Station in 2024, it has undertaken a series of upgrades. These include the introduction of a dedicated ticketed waiting area with additional seating, changes to boarding procedures intended to reduce crowding, and safety-focused maintenance initiatives. Retail improvements have also been introduced within the station.

Track 22 is now operational and in use by both Amtrak and VRE services, contributing to a wider programme of investment in one of Washington D.C.’s principal transport hubs.

VRE CEO Rich Dalton said:

This is an exciting milestone for improved rail infrastructure in the region. The added station and track capacity at Union Station provided by the Track 22 Project enhances the reliability and flexibility of service for all passengers moving through the station, including VRE riders. This project is a crucial part of a collaborative effort to modernize this vital transportation hub and VRE looks forward to the benefits it brings to our riders and the broader rail network.