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 Democrats appeal to U.S. Supreme Court to save redistricting map Ian Price May 12, 2026 Local Colors Festival Returns to Celebrate its 35th Year Emma Thomas May 12, 2026 With district lines battle out of the way Beth Macy says she’s ready to take on Ben Cline for his seat in Congress Gene Marrano May 11, 2026