October 1, 2009

The new Amtrak train rolled into Charlottesville at 8:50 am Thursday morning and picked up more than 50 passengers, a big number for the new daily route to Washington, D.C.

The discouted fare is only $22 one way. With UVa's fall break approaching, many students are expected to take the train home.

"The Amtrak service is exciting for me. No driving. You can sit back and enjoy the sights and scenery," said Regina Campbell, an Amtrak passneger. "You even meet new people on the train."

The train arrives in DC at 11:20 am each morning. It makes a return trip to Charlottesville at 4:50 pm, arriving in town at 7:50 pm. ______________________________________________
September 30, 2009

It's an historic day for transportation in Virginia and in Charlottesville. Governor Tim Kaine joined local residents and Charlottesville leaders at the Amtrak Station, greeting the first state-supported passenger train in the Commonwealth's history.

The inaugural train from Washington to Charlottesville started its historic journey in the morning. CBS19 hopped on board in Culpeper and rode the train all the way into Charlottesville.

As the long-awaited train pulled into the Culpeper station, railroad enthusiasts couldn't wait to get on board for the fifty minute ride to Charlottesville.

Virginia is hoping to rejuvenate rail travel.

"It's not just about highways, and it's not just about aviation. It's also about trains," says Joe Boardman, the Amtrak President.

Amtrak invited people to test out the new train, which offers more affordable service from Washington DC to Lynchburg and back.

The Northeast Regional Train leaves Charlottesville at 8:49 am and gets to DC at 11:20 am. The train leaves DC at 4:50 pm and gets you in Charlottesville at 7:23 pm. The fare is only $22 until December 16th, when it goes up to $29.

Some commuters have expressed concern that the schedule won't help them get to DC early enough for a full day's work. Charlottesville leaders are optimistic change could happen.

"We'll look very closely at ridership over the coming year or two, and see what kind of changes we can make to see if we need to shift the time," said Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris.

"All of the train services we have today wind up being a compromise between the different levels of interest we have," said Boardman.

The interest is high in Charlottesville. Governor Kaine and hundreds of supporters greeted the train as it arrived in Charlottesville around 2:00 pm. Leaders believe we're on the right track for greener transportation.

"It will be good for the environment and good for business. Charlottesville is a community that we think will really support this route, so we're excited to be here," said Governor Tim Kaine.

With five stops out of the way, the inaugural train prepares for the last station in Lynchburg. But if the number of riders don't match the support seen Wednesday, the train to DC could become history.

The extended Northeast Regional Amtrak service starts October 1st.