Published: November 08, 2007 05:26 pm            

Victory for rail passengers — Six-year funding keeps Amtrak rolling

We applaud the passage of bipartisan legislation in Washington that will keep Amtrak running for the next six years across the Mountain State. The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007, which passed the Senate last week, will serve as a comprehensive blueprint for the continuing improvement of America’s national passenger rail system.

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. joined U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., in opposing Republican efforts to privatize Amtrak and cut funding for routes that serve rural communities in West Virginia and across the nation.

A pair of Amtrak’s long-distance trains make scheduled stops in several West Virginia cities, including Hinton in neighboring Summers County. The rail service is also extended to other communities in the Mountain State. Riders boarding trains in Huntington in 2006 totaled 13,000, making it West Virginia’s most popular Amtrak station, according to Byrd.

The passage of the bipartisan bill is a victory for rail passengers not only here in southern West Virginia but for those across the nation who rely upon Amtrak for long-distance travel and daily commuting. By investing in infrastructure and strengthening efficiency and marketability, Byrd said the legislation will put Amtrak on stronger footing for the future.

Without Amtrak service, Byrd said many regions of rural American — including southern West Virginia — would not benefit from the convenience and economic opportunities offered by a rail system.

Between fiscal year 2005-2006, Amtrak welcomed more than 24.3 million passengers, representing the fourth straight fiscal year of record ridership according to Byrd. An average of more than 67,000 passengers ride on up to 300 Amtrak trains per day.

We join Byrd in saluting the passage of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007. It’s important to keep Amtrack rolling across West Virginia, including right here in southern West Virginia. The service in neighboring Hinton is within close proximity to much of the region and is a valuable asset to all of southern West Virginia.

        

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