The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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February 6, 2008

Greyhound terminal in Beckley may close

Bill Billeter

The future of Beckley’s Greyhound bus station is uncertain after Greyhound said it would not renew the lease at the current location on Third Avenue. That lease expires April 30, said Eric Wesley, a spokesman for Greyhound.

Greyhound has expressed its interest in keeping Beckley as a stop on its bus route, but no longer wants to pay the $1,000 per month rent at the Third Avenue location.

Wesley explained Greyhound would try to find an already established business or other location in Beckley where the company can relocate its bus stop.

The station is currently managed by ticketing agent and restaurant owner Anne Stover. Stover runs Mama Anne’s Restaurant, a popular breakfast and lunch spot.

Greyhound spoke with Stover on Tuesday and told her the company was getting out of locations where it had to pay rent to maintain stations.

Greyhound said it would continue to use the Third Avenue location only if Stover paid the $1,000 per month rent.

But Stover said she was unable to pay that amount. Although her restaurant does a brisk business, she pointed out the most expensive item on her menu is only $5.89.

“There is just no way for me to pick up the rent,” she said.

Stover would like to find another location in Beckley to which she can relocate her restaurant and the bus terminal. But she is unsure if she can find such a location at an affordable price.

Stover has been operating her business at the Third Avenue location for more than three years, and noted Greyhound has been there at least 38 years.

“As long as anyone can remember, Greyhound has been here,” she said.

Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh said that if the bus station closes in Beckley the loss will be felt by many locals who rely on Greyhound for transportation.

“They (Greyhound) provide a needed service. That hurts a segment of the population that can’t afford to drive,” Pugh said. “It would really be unfortunate if that (closure) happened.”

— E-mail:

bbilleter@register-herald.com

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