Virginia’s Ashland and Richmond stations have recently upgraded their passenger information systems, integrating modern digital displays that significantly improve safety and the overall travel experience. These new Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS) deliver real-time updates on train schedules through clear visual screens and audible announcements, reducing confusion and the need for manual assistance. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) to modernize infrastructure and foster increased ridership.
At the Ashland station, longtime visitor center manager Pamela Novak, who previously relied on binoculars to assist travelers, now happily reports that the new displays have made her job easier and the station safer. Her role highlights a longstanding community effort to support train travelers, especially since the pandemic saw a surge in ridership and passenger inquiries.
The new system, which also includes the Richmond Main Street Station, provides crucial information such as train arrivals, departures, track assignments, and updates during service disruptions. Designed to be environmentally adaptive, the system adjusts its sound levels based on ambient noise, ensuring announcements are always audible.
Amtrak, which operates the service, emphasizes that this upgrade aligns with its commitment to delivering accurate, timely information across all platforms—whether online, via mobile apps, or directly at the stations. As of late March, several Virginia stations, including Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Williamsburg, and Richmond’s Staples Mill Road, have been equipped with PIDS technology.
The enhancements are expected to bolster safety by minimizing track crossings during train arrivals and helping passengers plan their time more efficiently. Mike McLaughlin, VPRA’s COO, stressed that informed travelers are less likely to encounter safety incidents, especially at stations like Ashland where crossing tracks without staff can be risky.
Beyond safety, these technological improvements aim to boost ridership, which has already seen a notable rise. In July, Amtrak Virginia recorded its second-highest monthly ridership since 2009, with over 131,700 passengers. This surge benefits local economies, especially tourism, as travelers enjoy more reliable and accessible rail services.
Local officials such as Martha Miller, Ashland’s assistant town manager, and Katherine O’Donnell, president of Richmond Region Tourism, have praised the upgrades for their contribution to community safety and regional accessibility. Novak, who will retire in October after nearly two decades at the visitor center, reflects on the pivotal role trains have played in Ashland’s cultural identity.
While the community celebrates these advancements, the focus remains on how technology can foster safer, more efficient, and welcoming train travel across Virginia.