Major Developments at “Union Station” Nationwide on August 29, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that it will formally assume day-to-day management of Washington’s Union Station, aiming to expedite $8 billion in much-needed repairs and enhance station security and cleanliness. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that Amtrak will continue operating train services while the DOT will oversee retail, parking and public spaces to “restore this federal asset to its former splendor”.

Business and Infrastructure The DOT plans to renegotiate agreements with the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation and Amtrak, shifting non-rail operations back to federal oversight as early as September. The move follows concerns over deferred maintenance-estimated at upwards of $8 billion-and recent incidents, including a fatal shooting in the station’s parking garage earlier this year.

Cultural and Community Events

  • Richmond: Bluegrass legends Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas and special guest Willie Watson, performed to a sold-out crowd at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. The show, part of their Arcadia 2025 Tour, ran from 7:30 PM until 11:00 PM, showcasing new material ahead of their forthcoming album.
  • St. Louis: At St. Louis Union Station, the Purina Incredible Dog Team staged live agility demonstrations from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, delighting families with high-energy routines and educational segments on canine nutrition and training.
  • Toronto: Union Station in Toronto opened “A Transit Through Time,” a free public-art exhibition spotlighting Black artists’ cultural legacies. Curated by Union and MakeRoom Inc., the six-artist show runs through August and highlights the station as a community gathering space.

Looking Ahead With federal management set to begin in September, officials pledge accelerated infrastructure upgrades-new elevators, improved lighting, roof replacements-and optimized commercial leases to fund ongoing maintenance. Local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have lauded the initiative as a “positive investment” for the region’s transit future.