West Virginia officials say they had a productive meeting with Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson about continuing the annual New River Train and expressed optimism that a deal will be worked out.
In a news release, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin said the service has had a stellar record with no operational issues or citations
“I made sure that Amtrak knew the impact this would have on our economy and local non-profit,” Manchin said in the release. “Richard Anderson and I both agree that we need to find a solution and I received a commitment from him that they are committed to continuing their partnership with [the] Collis P. Huntington [Railroad Historical Society] and finding a solution that both sides are happy with.”
Echoing that was Rep. Even Jenkins who said the meeting has moved the New River Train one step closer to operating.
“There are still some issues that remain to be resolved, but every single person in the room wants to keep the New River Train running,” he said in a news release. “I will continue to work to ensure the New River Train runs for a 52nd year this fall and am encouraged by the results of today’s discussion.”
The New River Train has operated for 51 years, most recently between Huntington and Hinton.
Its continued existence has been threatened by a new Amtrak policy that bans most special and charter movements.
Of late, Amtrak has expressed some willingness to allow a limited number of specials that use routes covered by scheduled Amtrak trains.
In the case of the New River Train, it uses CSX tracks also used by Amtrak’s Cardinal.
West Virginia interests have said the New River Train generates $5 million in tourism dollars.
Jenkins said that Anderson understands that the New River Train has a 50-year history and economic impact that distinguishes it from other charter trains.
Tags: Amtrak, Amtrak in West Virginia, Amtrak specials, Evan Jenkins, Joe Manchin, New River Train, West Virginia
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