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That would nicely leave the new train about half way to Charleston and Huntington (combined metro areas population 600,000+), thus saying to West Virginia, "OK, the rest of the jobs is yours."Arlington wrote:If Virginia is looking for further upgrade service via Charlottesville, and looking to push new service outward from CVS, run a train on the Buckingham Branch (the Cardinal's Route) ... to terminate at Clifton Forge (and serve the Homestead and tourism).
electricron wrote:Arlington wrote:A side thought: if Virginia is looking for further upgrade service via Charlottesville, and were looking to push new service outward from CVS, I'd say that running a train on the Buckingham Branch (the Cardinal's Route) would make good sense, reaching the 120,000 people of greater Staunton-Waynesboro (and perhaps drawing some James Madison U folks down from Harrisonburg) and onward to terminate at Clifton Forge (and serve the Homestead and tourism).
That'd give Amtrak really strong, Interstate-Accessible termini along the Blue Ridge, and maximize population per train-hour and track mile.
Interesting proposal worthy of some discussion. Without establishing a new crew base, the further west a train could go is are und 4 hours, which allows the same crew to return over the next 4 hours. Looking at the Cardinal’s schedule, 4 hours west of Charlottesville will be around Anderson, WV. Hinton, WV would be too far away. Station VA is just an hour away fro. Charlottesville. Are there an Amfleet Amtrak regional train available that could be used? The Cardinal visits Staunton at 2 pm and 3 pm, very good times 3 times per week in both directions. What Station needs more is daily service from the Cardinal, to another train like the Hoosier State the other 4 days a week.
Noel Weaver wrote:The first Amtrak train departed Roanoke this morning with over 240 passengers. This spells success. Congrats to all concerned. This is the type of passenger train expansion that is needed in this country. Not more overnight trains crossing Ohio or trying to run trains where there is no state financial support coming. Good reading and good listening. Here is the link:
https://www.wsls.com/news/virginia/roan ... e-platform
Noel Weaver
east point wrote:248 persons does not indicate how many will travel on a daily basis. Hope the number is high but will wait and see ? Weekend departures and arrivals will be most interesting !
Matt Johnson wrote:[ I expect sellout crowds of Hokies on the train during peak travel periods.
east point wrote:
Do not forget that the Lynchburg train was often close to sell out without Roanoke passengers. Those persons will still be making reservations so unless more cars can be found there will be problems .
BRISTOL, Va. — A Twin City delegation attended Monday’s ceremony welcoming Amtrak to Roanoke, in a continuing effort to try and attract passenger rail service here.
Bristol Virginia Councilman Archie Hubbard and Vice Mayor Kevin Wingard attended the noon ceremony along with members of the city’s planning staff, Bristol Tennessee planner Rex Montgomery and other Twin City residents who belong to the local rail coalition.
The coalition and Bristol, Virginia have been working with the state of Virginia and Amtrak to try and extend passenger service to and through Bristol.
“We wanted Amtrak to know we’re still interested,” Hubbard said Monday. “We were afraid if we didn’t go they might think there wasn’t much interest. They announced Bristol several times as interested parties that were there today.”
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