Amtrak begins Roanoke rail service

Amtrak launched Northeast Regional daily service to and from Roanoke, Virginia, yesterday, returning passenger-rail service to the city for the first time in nearly four decades.

Amtrak, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Roanoke officials partnered to bring the service back to the city, marking the fourth expansion of Amtrak service in Virginia since 2009.

The Northeast Regional extends from Lynchburg and provides a same-seat trip to and from Roanoke. The train will make stops in Charlottesville, Manassas, Burke Centre and Alexandria, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Philadelphia; New York City; and other cities along the Northeast, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

"The extension to Roanoke marks a milestone in the growth of Amtrak and passenger rail in Virginia," said Amtrak Co-Chief Executive Officer Wick Moorman. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with DRPT and other cities to further expand rail service in the commonwealth."