Passenger rail service could come to the NRV by 2020

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NEW RIVER VALLEY (WSLS10) -Traveling by train could soon be a reality in the New River Valley.

As the town of Blacksburg continues to grow, the need for public transit continues to grow with it.

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City and town leaders all across the New River Valley are banding together in a regional effort to bring passenger rail service to the area by the year 2020. Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam says it's a tall order, but can be accomplished.

"The infrastructure exists to be able to bring the train into the New River Valley, but it does need to be upgraded.," Rordam said."We need to be able to work with the system to be able to do that. As the turnaround there in Radford. So it can be done, and it can be done efficiently."

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Passenger rail service is expected to boost tourism and the local economy across the New River Valley.

Mayor Rordam says he believes the regional effort is strong enough to make the service a reality for locals.

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