Roanoke senator says the future is here as Amtrak arrives Gene Marrano October 30, 2017 1 minute read On the way from Lynchburg to Roanoke this morning on the ceremonial first Amtrak passenger train, State Senator John Edwards (D-Roanoke) spoke to WFIR about what regular train service (starting tomorrow) means: Share: Post navigation Previous: GOP AG candidate says opponent has misused positionNext: Roanoke Valley Reads tackles difficult topic Related Stories Virginia Tech secures record $75 million gift for athletics and academics Web Staff June 8, 2026 Olde Salem Brewing Company launches food service at downtown Roanoke location Clark Palmer June 5, 2026 Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport launches daily nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth Web Staff June 5, 2026