Train service would waste $93M

Published 9:59 pm Tuesday, July 13, 2010

To the editor:

The proposed passenger train service from Norfolk to Richmond sounds like a $93-million giveaway to one of the most profitable railroads in the United States. The $93 million would be used to upgrade their tracks at taxpayers’ expense.

The proposed Bowers Hill station was eliminated, and no stop is planned for downtown Suffolk, through which the train must pass. The proposed passenger train will not even stop in downtown Richmond.

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The transportation board should use this $93 million to upgrade Route 460. People will not ride a train north of Richmond, only to rent a cab or car to get back to downtown Richmond. The trip there would be quicker to just drive.

Someone, please stop this waste of $93 million in transportation funds.