April 17, 2018

Manchin Has Productive Meeting With Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington Officials

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) had a productive meeting with Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington officials. Senator Manchin, Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington are all committed to finding ways to continue their partnership in order to reestablish New River Train service.

“I had a very productive meeting with Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington officials today and I’m glad we are all committed to finding an agreement to reestablish service for the New River Train,” Senator Manchin said. “I made sure that Amtrak knew the impact this would have on our economy and local non-profits. 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 Collis P. Huntington and finding a solution that both sides are happy with.

“Collis P. Huntington has been a tremendous partner to Amtrak and has a stellar record with no operational issues or citations. Losing the New River Train would take an estimated $5 million out of West Virginia’s economy so I’m happy we could sit down today to discuss our next steps together.”

Senator Manchin set up this meeting between Amtrak and Collis P. Huntington officials to find a way forward in order to reestablish service for the New River Train. Since Amtrak’s announcement that it would discontinue service for the New River Train, Senator Manchin has been working with both sides to help find a pathway forward.

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 last 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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