[alabama24]

I love the idea of everything being downtown!! Even LU!

For a brief time, LU owned that historic theatre downtown, but we quickly saw that it was a money pit that would take millions to retore. Thankfully, that was one we let get away.

I was secretly rooting for Randy Mac to go under. It would make a nice place for the seminary.

[LUconn]

I don't get why it's cowardly not to want your ash tray full of pennies, 20 years worth of mix tapes, and cassette stereo that I forgot to remove the face from all stolen.

[rogers3]

I don't get why it's cowardly not to want your ash tray full of pennies, 20 years worth of mix tapes, and cassette stereo that I forgot to remove the face from all stolen.

Now was this tragedy in the 80's, or in the 90's? I don't think thieves are too interested in cassettes these days! When I lived off of Edley Pl (a nice part of Fort Hill) a had a car broken into once and thoroughly cleaned out and then about 6 months after, I along with others in the area found our cars on blocks with wheels missing.

[rogers3]

Little update... left my car at Kemper St. for a four day trip to DC. Not a single problem, except LU's spring break ended the day I returned and it was hard to get a seat with my family. For me, parking wasn't bad- right on the ramp coming out of the lower level of the station. Maneuvering around the 250+ that disembarked- that was another story. Bottom line- no mugging, no car broken into, parking lot issues due to traffic.

[mlschubert]

Any updates on this? Is there an Amtrak representative that we should be writing to express our support for the project? As a frequent business traveler (in and out of Lynchburg) it would benefit Amtrak and the region greatly to relocate the train station. The relocation's proximity to the airport would create a regional transportation hub enabling business travellers to easily obtain rental cars (a significant stumbling block for current business travelers contemplating the train to access Lynchburg); would provide parking options that are safe, convenient and available; would provide convenient and accessible lodging options and create a positive first impression for those travelling to the City for the first time. A location near 460 would further support the growing Roanoke bus connecter and could better facilitate connectors with other local cities. Long-term it would position the region to be a hub for connecting an east/west line and could improve the region’s ability to recruit additional air carriers. Being more business friendly, would further enhance not detract from the efforts to create a thriving downtown.

[rogers3]

Not going to happen. if you do a little research, you'll understand why.

[mlschubert]

Thanks for the reply. That's disappointing, it would appear to be a missed opportunity for the region. It would be interesting to understand whether rebuilding at the current location is really less expensive than solving issues related to turning trains around for the east-west connector. The current parking, ramp and pick-up situation are chaotic at best and simply unsafe when the train is relatively full.

The current station would appear to be far away from having the land, capacity or general infrastructure to support a future east-west connector. I was hopeful this could be a stepping stone for Amtrak; it's clear that they need to explore other avenues (including partnerships) to drive innovation - they have suffered for decades from a lack of vision and a bureaucracy that kills innovative thinking.

[rogers3]

The current station would appear to be far away from having the land, capacity or general infrastructure to support a future east-west connector. I was hopeful this could be a stepping stone for Amtrak; it's clear that they need to explore other avenues (including partnerships) to drive innovation - they have suffered for decades from a lack of vision and a bureaucracy that kills innovative thinking.

Land would not be such an expensive problem to remedy. Look at Google maps and notice the pretty empty piece of land across from the station as well as the few houses there and along Park Ave. That is a large piece of land that is currently assessed at a very low rate. If expansion ever happened, I wouldn't be surprised to see a pedestrian bridge across the tracks (there used to be one in the 60's) and city owned parking/amenities opposite the station. The city is preparing to break ground on a bus transfer station right on Kemper, as well.

[ALUmnus]

Aren't they also going to be starting work on a mid-town connector, between 29 and Langohorne? From the sounds of it, that's going to alter some of the roads right in that area, may clear up more space near the current station.

[mlschubert]

Could it be made to work downtown? Yes .. Unfortunately, If you look at mid-size and small cities serviced by Amtrak - little thought or investment is put into local train stations. They appear to be an after thought. This was an opportunity for the region to boost economic development and connect the airport, etc. In particular, it appeared to be a strong opportunity to accelerate investment in a cost neutral fashion while moving quickly. The current station will rapidly become less and less adequate and is unlikely to be significantly improved by the city in the short term. Hopefully, Liberty will continue to look for local public/private partnerships that can benefit the local community and the school. And hopefully the community will recognize opportunity when it arises.

[ATrain]

From the governor's office today:

Governor McDonnell Announces Amtrak VirginiaSM to Norfolk to Start December 12, 2012
Tickets now available for one-seat trip from Norfolk to as far as Boston

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Amtrak Virginia’s Northeast Regional service extension to and from Norfolk will start December 12, 2012, providing a same-seat trip from Norfolk to Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City and as far north as Boston. Tickets are now available for purchase.

“The partnership between the Commonwealth and Amtrak to bring an Amtrak Virginia station to the city of Norfolk reflects my administration’s commitment to continue to make progress in improving our transportation networks for the state,” said Governor McDonnell. “By providing the citizens of Virginia an alternative way to get to and from Southside Hampton Roads, it takes cars off the highways, helping ease congestion on already highly-traveled roads. The new station provides a one-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, DC and major cities along the northeast corridor, offering an economical and environmentally-friendly way to travel.”

“The new Norfolk passenger rail service is just the latest example of the great partnership we have with the Commonwealth to expand transportation options for Virginians,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “Virginia is a leader in passenger rail and Amtrak is proud to help bring their vision to reality.” As part of the extension to Norfolk, the service will also stop at the Petersburg Station in Ettrick.

Passengers may book travel via Amtrak.com, the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL for any station along the route between Norfolk and Boston using the train numbers below:

Northbound Norfolk Service
Days Train Number Departs Norfolk Arrives Washington, DC
Monday – Friday 174 4:50 a.m. 9:44 a.m.
Saturday – Sunday 88 6:05 a.m. 10:55 a.m.

Southbound Norfolk Service
Days Train Number Departs Washington, DC Arrives Norfolk
Monday – Friday 125 3:55 p.m. 8:50 p.m.
Saturday 71 7:00 p.m. 11:48 p.m.
Sunday 157 4:00 p.m. 8:48 p.m.

One-way ticket prices for the new service will start at the following prices for service from Norfolk to:

Washington, DC $38
Philadelphia $51
New York $63
Boston $73

*Fares listed are current as of August 30, 2012, require reservation at least 14 days prior to departure and may not be available at all times.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton said, “Thanks to the hard work of our partners, CSX, Norfolk Southern and the City of Norfolk, for completing the necessary upgrades for this service and making it possible to launch 10 months earlier than originally projected. This new service is will greatly benefit Southside Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. The economies of these two regions are intertwined and starting this service will strengthen them both.”

“The people of Southside Hampton Roads will now have another transportation option when making their travel plans outside the region, in addition to the benefiting the environment by taking more cars off the road, improving air quality, and saving fuel,” said Thelma Drake, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “This new service is a significant expansion of the Commonwealth’s passenger rail service. I appreciate the commitment of Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern and the City of Norfolk to make this new service a reality.”

The round-trip train will bring intercity passenger rail service to Norfolk for the first time since 1977, and will link Norfolk with a same-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C. and cities as far north as Boston.

Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim said, “The return of passenger rail service to Southside Hampton Roads adds an important transportation alternative for business and military travelers as well as the general public. It is the result of dedicated, visionary leadership at the state and local level that will benefit the region far into the future.”

The Norfolk train marks the third service expansion launched under the Amtrak Virginia partnership, which has introduced state-supported service to/from Richmond and Lynchburg since October 2009. Virginia is the 15th state to partner with Amtrak for intercity passenger rail service, and the successful launch of these new services is made possible through the partnership between DRPT, Amtrak and the host railroads along the routes.

Virginia routes had sizable gains in fiscal year 2011 over fiscal year 2010 with increases of 28.5 percent on the Washington-Lynchburg route and 19.1 percent on the Washington-Newport News route.

About Amtrak Virginia:
Amtrak Virginia is a program developed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Amtrak to provide more rail travel choices in Virginia. The new service promotes economic, tourism and environmental benefits. For more information visit amtrakvirginia.com.

About Amtrak®:
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. A record 30.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2011 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates intercity trains in partnership with 15 states and contracts with 13 commuter rail agencies to provide a variety of services. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.