Riders ready for Amtrak service

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Amtrak service in Norfolk is just about one month away. Conductors and engineers are getting up to speed on train routes from Norfolk to points north.

The training runs operate twice a day, Monday through Saturday from Norfolk to Petersburg. Amtrak rider and train buff Wayne Butler is excited about the new service that begins Dec. 12 from Norfolk's Harbor Park area.

"Saves me from having to go all the way over to Newport News,” Butler said. “I travel up through the DC area a lot on Amtrak and my brother usually goes with me. This is convenient right here plus we're at the light rail."

He refers to the Harbor Park light rail stop and Norfolk passenger rail manager Paul Filion says there's heightened anticipation.

"They can't wait for the service,” he told WAVY.com. “They've got their plans, and they're excited and I think we all are to have this connection. Don't forget we're walkable within light rail," he said.

Filion said the training runs have been smooth so far. An inaugural whistle stop tour is planned for Dec. 11, the day before service starts, originating in DC with stops in between before reaching Norfolk. Later that afternoon and evening train tours are scheduled, according to Filion.