The last passenger train pulled out of Roanoke 34 years ago, but the Star City has operated a bus connection to the Lynchburg train for two years. In 2013, its average ridership was about 21 riders each way daily, according to Drake’s presentation to a Roanoke business group in October.

The riders pay a $4 fare.

“Intercity passenger rail service is central to the Commonwealth’s economic growth, vitality and competitiveness in the region. Now the major population centers will have intercity passenger rail service,” McDonnell said in a statement.

Prior to the line’s approval, the town of Bedford had been in contact with Virginia Department of Rails and Public Transportation officials asking consideration for a stop in the town.

“I think it would be helpful for economic development,” said Bedford Town Manager Charles Kolakowski. “Certainly it would be a nice service for the residents in the area.”

In December, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution supporting the request for consideration, even though DPRT had stated “there are currently no plans for additional stations between Roanoke and Lynchburg or beyond.”