April 13, 2018

Manchin Announces Meeting Between Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington Officials

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) will bring Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington officials together to discuss a pathway forward to reestablishing service for the New River Train on Tuesday.

“I applaud Amtrak for heeding my calls and agreeing to sit down with Collis P. Huntington to try to work out a solution to reestablish New River Train service,” Senator Manchin said. “Each year, the New River Train travels from Huntington to Hinton for Railroad Days – bringing visitors and economic activity to those communities. Discontinuing the New River Train would have an especially hard-hitting effect in West Virginia, where we pride ourselves on showcasing our beautiful, hospitable state to visitors – and count on tourism to help keep our economy strong. Losing this service would take an estimated $5 million out of West Virginia’s economy. We simply cannot afford that. I will continue doing everything I can to fix this problem.”

On April 3, Senator Manchin spoke with Richard Anderson, CEO of Amtrak, regarding the company’s decision to no longer accept private and charter trains and that same week he formally asked for information on the appeals process. And this week, Senator Manchin questioned U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Amtrak’s decision to end private and charter trains.  He also requested for Amtrak to meet with representatives from the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society.

The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society, a 59-year old non-profit organization, operates private railroad cars through Amtrak – including the New River Train from Huntington to Hinton for the annual Railroad Days celebration.

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