City of Richmond works with VPRA, Amtrak to install passenger information display system
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has partnered with Amtrak and the city of Richmond, Va., to provide up-to-date train status information to customers with installation of a passenger information display system (PIDS) at the Amtrak Station on Main Street in Richmond.
The city of Richmond says its new transit information system provides customers with real-time information on train arrivals, departures and track assignments in audible and visual formats. This system can also announce essential updates 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.
“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 Amtrak Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of Accessibility, Stations & Facilities David Handera. “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.”
The city says it collaborated closely with Amtrak 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.
