Transportation Challenges Along HWY 460
Highway 460, connecting Petersburg, Lynchburg, and Roanoke, is an underutilized corridor. Despite its straight-shot route, there are no efficient transportation services available. Residents are left with two problematic alternatives: an inefficient Amtrak service or no service at all from Greyhound. This gap severely limits access to jobs, schools, and opportunities along the route.
Amtrak and Greyhound: Inadequate Solutions
Amtrak’s options from Petersburg to Lynchburg are anything but direct. A 2-hour drive becomes a journey of 8-18 hours, with layovers extending trips unnecessarily through Washington, D.C. Fares are steep, with coach prices ranging from $32 to $116 and private rooms costing as much as $839.
Greyhound’s service is non-existent. A search for trips from Petersburg or nearby Colonial Heights to Lynchburg yields no results. Even connecting cities like Richmond lack straightforward options to reach Lynchburg or Roanoke.
The result? Residents and businesses in these regions remain disconnected, with untapped potential in workforce and educational opportunities.
Economic Impact of Neglecting HWY 460
Neglecting HWY 460’s transportation needs means ignoring the economic growth potential of communities along this corridor. A reliable transit system could connect workers with jobs in larger cities, facilitate student commutes, and attract businesses to these regions.
Currently, the focus of Virginia’s legislators is on other areas of the state, leaving this vital corridor underserved. The lack of infrastructure creates barriers for residents and businesses alike, perpetuating inequality in access to opportunities.
The Call for Change
It’s time for Virginia to prioritize HWY 460 by:
- Investing in direct bus or rail services between Petersburg, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.
- Subsidizing transportation services to make them affordable and accessible.
- Promoting public-private partnerships to explore innovative transit solutions.
By improving transportation, Virginia can unlock economic opportunities and strengthen communities along HWY 460. Let’s urge legislators to refocus efforts on connecting these critical regions.
📢 Join the conversation and advocate for HWY 460’s transportation development. Share your stories and solutions to bring attention to this vital issue.
