Pillion discusses Bristol passenger rail with governor

RICHMOND, Va. (WJHL) — State Sen. Todd Pillion says he met with Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday, and one of the things they discussed was the ongoing effort to bring passenger rail service to Bristol.

Plans are in the works to extend Amtrak service to Christiansburg, with the possibility of extending it further to Bristol in the future.

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Pillion told News Channel 11 that he talked to the governor about the placement of the proposed terminus in Christiansburg, which could impact extending service to Bristol.

“We’re making sure that they place that in the most favorable spot to continue moving rail to Bristol,” Pillion said.

The Abingdon Republican pointed out that $500,000 in federal funding will be spent on examining the possibility of bringing passenger rail to Bristol.

“We know it’s not going to happen tomorrow, but as long as we keep pushing and moving it forward, that’s the goal,” Pillion said.

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Last year, a Tennessee government report recommended the state study a potential passenger rail corridor between Chattanooga and Bristol and to collaborate with Virginia officials on bringing passenger rail to Bristol.

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