April 03, 2018

Manchin Urges Amtrak CEO to Allow New River Train to Continue in West Virginia

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) spoke with Richard Anderson, CEO of Amtrak, regarding the company’s decision to no longer accept private and charter trains. This change would affect tourism in West Virginia communities with the discontinuance of the New River Train, which has operated out of Huntington for more than 50 years and is an important contributor to tourism-related economic activity in the state.

“This decision will have a significant impact on the tourism industry in West Virginia,” 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. I’ve asked Amtrak to allow the Huntington Railroad Historical Society to continue this great West Virginia tradition. 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.”

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. This brings in an estimated $3.5 million for the Huntington area and an estimated $1 million for Hinton each year.

Earlier today, staff from Senator Manchin’s office met in Hinton with local elected officials regarding the importance of New River Train excursions during Hinton Railroad Days.

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