(The office of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-WV, issued the following on November 1.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Robert C.Byrd, D-WV, applauded the passage of bipartisan legislation that will keep Amtrak running for the next six years, and preserves routes important to West Virginians. The Passenger Rail Investment and ImprovementAct of 2007, which passed the Senate Oct 30, will serve as a comprehensive blueprint for the continuing improvement of America’s national passenger rail system. Byrd joined Senator Jay Rockefeller, D.-WV, in opposing Republican efforts toprivatize Amtrak and cut funding for routes that serve rural communities in West Virginia and across the nation.
“This is a great day for rail passengers in West Virginia and across the nation who rely on Amtrakfor long-distance travel and daily commuting,” Byrd said. ‘The Senate has passed strong legislation that will improve and modernize ournation’s rail system. By investing in infrastructure and strengthening efficiency and marketability, this bill will put Amtrak on stronger footing fort he future.”
For the past six years, the Bush Administration has repeatedly sought to break up Amtrak’s service and eliminate rural routes.Byrd, joined by Senators from both political parties, has consistently led the effort to protect Amtrak and improve its service. In the 2007 Amtrak bill, Senators Byrd and Rockefeller successfully opposed an amendment that would have taken funding away from “long-distance” routes, including those serving West Virginia.
“Amtrak carries people between our biggest cities and our smallest communities,” Byrd added. “Without Amtrak service, many regions of rural America would not benefit from the convenience and economic opportunities offered by a rail system. I have consistently fought against efforts that would harm Amtrak service in West Virginia, and will continue to do so.”
Amtrak’s last authorization, the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act (ARAA), expired in 2002. In recent years, attempts by Congress to improve and modernize Amtrak’s operations were stalled by the Republican-controlled House.
“After more than seven years of stopgap funding bills, the new Congress has acted responsibly by putting a plan in place thatwill sustain Amtrak for the long-term,” Byrd said. “This $19.2 billion authorization will mean better long-term planning and stronger accountability for Amtrak. This plan is right for America,and it is right for West Virginia.I hope the President will do the right thing and sign this legislation into law.”
Between Fiscal Year 2005-2006, Amtrak welcomed more than 24.3 million passengers, representing the fourth straight fiscal year of record ridership. An average of more than 67,000 passengers ride on up to 300 Amtrak trains per day.
A pair of Amtrak’s long-distance trains, the Capitol Limited and the Cardinal, stop in several West Virginia cities, including Alderson, Charleston, Harpers Ferry, Hinton, Martinsburg, Montgomery, Prince, Thurmond, and White Sulfur Springs. In 2006, riders boarding trains in Huntington totaled 13,000,making it West Virginia’s most popular Amtrak station.