The Virginia Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) was initially a section of the Virginia Dept. of Transportation. In 1992, the DRPT was established as a separate agency responsible for rail and public transportation services. The Department reports to the Secretary of Transportation, but also continues to work closely with the Dept. of Transportation. The DRPT focuses on the movement of people and goods throughout the Commonwealth by concentrating on railroads, public transportation and commuter services. The mission of the DRPT is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in Virginia.

The Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation supports passenger and freight rail initiatives through advocacy, funding, providing advice, and conducting research. To safeguard Virginia's interests in the national rail network, the Department also represents the Commonwealth's interests regarding national rail issues. The Department also partners with, advises, supports and funds public transportation programs statewide, such as bus systems and commuter service organizations.

The Eastern Shore Railroad was a short-line railroad that began operations in 1981 on the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk rail line that connected Pocomoke City, Maryland, to Cape Charles, Virginia. To traverse the remainder of the route, the railroad utilized a rail ferry service to move cars across the Chesapeake bay between Cape Charles and Norfolk, Virginia. The Eastern Shore Railroad interchanged with the Norfolk Southern Railway at both Norfolk and Pocomoke City. The Eastern Shore Railroad was bought by the Bay Coast Railroad company in 2006 and now operates under that name.