List of West Virginia railroads facts for kids
West Virginia is a state in the United States where many railroads operate. These railroads help move goods and people across the state. Some carry heavy cargo, while others offer scenic rides for passengers.
Trains Carrying Goods in West Virginia
These railroads are like the workhorses of the railway system. They mostly carry freight, which means goods and materials, not people. They transport everything from coal and timber to manufactured products.
- Appalachian and Ohio Railroad (AO)
- Beech Mountain Railroad (BEEM)
- CSX Transportation (CSXT)
- Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad (DGVR) operates the Durbin Railroad and West Virginia Central Railroad (WVC)
- Elk River Railroad (ELKR)
- Kanawha River Railroad (KNWA)
- Norfolk Southern Railway (NS)
- R.J. Corman Railroad/West Virginia Line (RJCV)
- South Branch Valley Railroad (SBVR)
- Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway (WE)
- Winchester and Western Railroad (WW)
Private Trains for Special Cargo
Some companies own their own railroads to move their specific products. These are called private freight carriers. They are not usually open to the public for general shipping.
- Little Kanawha River Rail, Inc. (LKRR)
- Short Line Services operates Big Eagle Rail, LLC, which leases from Kanawha Rail Corporation
- Kanawha River Terminal Railroad (KRT)
Trains for People: Passenger Services
These railroads are all about carrying people! They offer rides for travelers, commuters, or tourists who want to enjoy the scenery.
- Amtrak (AMTK) is a national passenger rail service.
- Cass Scenic Railroad offers historic steam train rides.
- Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad also provides passenger trips.
- MARC is a commuter rail service.
- Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad gives scenic tours.
- South Branch Valley Railroad also has passenger services.
Railroads of the Past
Over time, many railroads have stopped operating for different reasons. Some were bought by bigger companies, while others simply closed down. These are known as defunct railroads. For example, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was a very important early railroad that later became part of CSX Transportation. Another big one was the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O), which also joined CSX. These changes show how the railway system has grown and changed over many years.
