Poll shows Amtrak support in WV

Seventy-two percent of voters in a heavily-contested congressional district have a favorable opinion of Amtrak, according to a new poll that was released this week. 

The survey, conducted by DFM Research for SMART Transportation Division, questioned voters in West Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District. 

The district is currently represented by the top ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W. Va.). Rahall is being targeted by Republicans in the 2014 midterms because his district voted heavily against President Obama in the last presidential campaign. 

{mosads}The poll found 54 percent of the West Virginia district’s voters wanted to see Amtrak service in their area increased from its current one train per day. 

Thirty-six percent said they were in favor of keeping Amtrak’s funding at the same level, while 34 percent said they wanted the rail company to get more money from Congress. 

Nineteen percent said they wanted to see Amtrak’s funding cut. Republicans in the House have frequently criticized the company for its reliance on approximately $1 billion in subsidies per year. 

Amtrak supporters point out that the money is mostly used to subsidize costly long-distance trains that run through places like West Virginia. 

The full poll can be read here.