Amtrak riders are exceeding expectations on the Smart Way Connector bus between Roanoke and Lynchburg.
The bus to connect Roanoke, Bedford and the New River Valley to Amtrak’s Northeast Regional Train from Lynchburg to Washington and points north began running a month ago, with Amtrak officials conservatively estimating it would get 3,600 riders in a year.
Results for the first month have been an average of 38 passengers per day — nearly four times more than projected, according to Roanoke’s Valley Metro transit service, which operates the bus.
Lynchburg officials also have noted fewer cars are parking at the city’s Kemper Street Station, indicating Amtrak customers are leaving their cars at the Roanoke Civic Center and paying the $4 bus fare to Lynchburg.
The bus brings people to Lynchburg for the train’s 7:38 a.m. departure and takes them back to Roanoke after its 8:30 p.m. arrival in the Hill City.
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