Update: Passenger Rail in Harrisonburg? Making it a Reality

Seen these around town?

Last month, I posted on the possibility of passenger rail in Harrisonburg, and today, we are closer to making it a reality. To get there, we need to get on the State's 4-year rail plan, which they consider at the end of September.

Now it's time to get their attention.

We need 500 signatures by September 21 from people who want to see passenger rail service to return to Harrisonburg. We also need support from other local groups willing to partner and demand clean, reliable transportation.

This plan is route-neutral at this stage, but we are committed to not be in conflict with the rail-to-trail project between Broadway and Front Royal.

This is a huge opportunity for the City. It means that people have options other than driving, or the once-a-day bus to get to destinations outside the city. It means that instead of dodging trucks on I-81, you can walk on a train, and walk out in the middle of DC.

The good news is that we are already halfway there. There is a petition live with over 250 signatures, with several organizations in favor, including Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, Virginia Clean Cities, and Livable Harrisonburg. City Council will likely be considering the proposal at their next meeting. You can learn more this Saturday, August 29th at the downtown library at 1pm to hear a presentation by Gabriel Morey, leading the initiative for Blue Ridge Rail.

If you believe Harrisonburg can be better with passenger rail, the time to act is now. Let the state hear you by signing this petition today.

TL;DR: If you'd like to support passenger rail in Harrisonburg, see the petition here, the recent article by Brent Finnegan here, and come to the event at the Harrisonburg Library this Saturday, August 29th at 1:00pm.