Lynchburg, VA - A new way to get back and forth between Lynchburg and Roanoke started up Tuesday morning.
The Smart Way Connector's bus service brought its first passengers to Lynchburg's Amtrak station right on time, at 7:15 am.
The 35-seat bus operates twice daily between the Roanoke and Lynchburg with a stop in Bedford at the Welcome Center.
It only costs $4 for a one-way trip, and it's free to children 5 years and younger.
Lynchburg's Director of Tourism says she believes the Hill City will see a big increase in tourism because of it.
"Anytime we can open up that accessibility to bring visitors into our area, to see things there are to see and do , and you know it makes a positive impact on the local economy," Director of Tourism Beckie Nix said.
The bus connector is the first step for the Roanoke Valley in its bid to once again get passenger rail service to Roanoke.
"But it has to be used. We have to have people riding the bus and getting on the train. I think that will make the strongest case possible that they need to get these tracks down here and get those trains rolling," Jeremy Holmes with Ride Solutions said.
See Smart Way Connector maps and schedules here or visit their website, http://www.smartwaybus.com.
