www.vanzandtnewspapers.com/news/128/ARTICLE/7648/2009-0 -
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Published on: 11/2/2009
Last Visited: 11/2/2009
"Amtrak is always interested in supporting the towns that we pass through," said Amtrak's Assistant Superintendent of Passenger Services Joy Smith.
Smith along with Texas Eagle Product Agent Griff Hubbard were in attendence at the meeting.
"Wills Point wrote a letter and asked us to make this special stop in memory of the 100th anniversary of President Taft making this stop," Smith explained regarding Amtrak's interest.
"Amtrak, along with Union Pacific Railroad, agreed.
We will make special stops for communities that don't have regular stops.
We have stopped to let Santa Claus off the train, and things like that at various communities.
"For the town of Wills Point to re-enact a president's stop from 100 years ago, I just imagine flags and whistles and horns, and old fashioned horse-drawn buggies, and some whooping and hollering.
I just imagine a really fun time," Smith added.
"For Amtrak and our passengers it's going to be a lot of fun, and it could really put Wills Point on the map."
Smith also acknowledged the possibility of expanded passenger rail lines and travel in the near future.
"We are very happy to see the American people begin to take an interest in rail travel again," she said.