2nd Possible Bus Connection: Pikeville, KY, via VA Tech, to Lynchburg

I have just learned of a another possible bus link from VT to Lynchburg, connecting with the train. The bus would go from Pikesville, Ky, via VA Tech (Blacksburg) to Roanoke and Lynchburg. As an interstate route operated in a underserved area, the bus company would be eligible for a Federal grant and possibly no need for State funds. This is the second possible bus link. The other would be the one from Bristol to Lynchburg.

Establishing Bristol to Lynchburg Bus Connection

Goal 2 of this blog establishs a VA Tech to Lynchburg Bus Connection.

The 6-2-2009 Amtrak-VA Agreement [Sec 1(f)]has a process to fulfill this goal.

Step 1

If:

VA requests Amtrak to provide it with a cost/revenue estimate of adding a Bristol to Lynchburg bus connection,

then:

Amtrak must provide VA a cost/revenue estimate of the connecting bus.

Step 2

If:

VA elects to fund the bus connection and notifies Amtrak,

then:

Amtrak must sign a contract in 120 days with a bus company to operate the connecting bus [and to begin service according to the contract].

Note:

VA should request Amtrak to do a separate cost/revenue estimate for the VT - Lynchburg portion of the Bristol - Lynchburg bus connection because it will be much more cost effective and, therefore, more likely to be funded.

Purpose of Amtrak Train: DC to VT Blog

The purpose of this "Amtrak Train: DC to VT" Blog is to preserve and increase Amtrak train service from Washington DC to the Virginia Tech (VT)Corridor by 1) insuring that Amtrak's new 3 year experimental train from DC to Lynchburg, which started October 1, 2009, becomes permanent; 2)encouraging an interim connecting bus service from Lynchburg to Roanoke and Christiansburg (near Virginia Tech); and 3) encouraging the replacement of that interim bus service with permanent Amtrak train service.