CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin is continuing his fight against Amtrak’s removal of its only ticket counter agent in West Virginia as part of the company’s move toward online sales.
Manchin says he spoke with Amtrak Executive Vice President Stephen Gardner on Wednesday. Last month he wrote Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson asking the company to postpone its decision.
Manchin says internet access is difficult in much of rural West Virginia. He says working families and elderly residents who might rely on train service as an alternative to driving or flying are less likely to have a credit card or other ways to buy tickets remotely.
Manchin says Charleston ticket agent Matt Crouch’s job was being eliminated Wednesday. An Amtrak spokesman says trains will continue to stop at the station.
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