WASHINGTON Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a plan to return passenger rail service to Roanoke. The statement below is from Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman: Amtrak applauds Governor McDonnell for continuing to offer a true vision and tangible support of intercity passenger rail as a relief to the growing problems of highway congestion. Passenger rail is a vital alternative in Virginia’s overall transportation solution and will be a contributor to Virginias future economic success.
Return of Intercity Passenger Rail
Todays announcement marks the beginning of the return of intercity passenger rail to Roanoke as Amtrak Virginia. It would be the fourth expansion of intercity passenger rail in the
Commonwealth since 2009 following new or additional service to Lynchburg, Richmond and Norfolk. These services are made possible through a partnership between Virginias
Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Amtrak and the host railroads along the routes.
