Part 8/16:
Meanwhile, state-supported routes—some managed in partnership with regional governments—have been key to growth. Due to legislation limiting federal aid for routes under 750 miles, Amtrak cannot independently start or fund these routes but can operate and support them. States such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Virginia have taken prominent roles. For example, Virginia revolutionized its regional rail network, extending services to Norfolk, Lynchburg, and Rono, and investing billions in track and infrastructure. These investments have paid off, with ridership far exceeding initial expectations and the network becoming a model for regional rail development.