Amtrak could be coming to the New River Valley sooner than expected, as the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority board voted Tuesday to approve a new plan that would expedite the process for a lower cost. It’s planned for the historic Cambria station in Christiansburg.

You’ll soon be able to plan those trips to our nation’s biggest cities once The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority extends service to the New River Valley.

Officials are presenting their plans for the area, and also asking for community input on what they want from the rail service.

Though the original date has changed, officials from the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority said they are working to get a railway in the New River Valley.

More people are riding the rails this year, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines in Southwest Virginia.

Ralph Northam and legislative leaders announced their support for an upcoming package that will plan to improve the current safety of transportation across Virginia. Previously outlined in House Bill 1414 and Senate Bill 890, the new measures are looking to establish several new transportation programs to reduce congestion in traffic while utilizing state taxes to their fullest potential in both transit and rail service. “Virginians should be able to get to work or to school safely, without sitting in traffic,” said Northam. “This bold package will reduce congestion, transform transit and rail service, and support economic growth across Virginia. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and the Transit Incentive Program both intend to improve rail service across Virginia.