RALEIGH - The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.
NC By Train Record Ridership
North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service continues to set new records for ridership.
NC By Train carried over 720,000 passengers in 2024, which is a 12% increase from 2023 and a 55% increase since 2019, prior to COVID.
More people than ever are traveling by train in North Carolina. The service’s growing popularity is driven by its ease of use, affordable tickets, and environmental benefits.
Ridership has been boosted by the addition of a fifth round-trip train frequency between Raleigh and Charlotte in July 2023, as well as the recent special event trains providing service to new locations.
Speaking of NC By Train, they have your travel covered for the Greensboro Wine and Chocolate Festival on Jan. 25.
With safe, convenient train transportation, you can enjoy the event without worrying about getting home.
As the designated driving sponsors, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure a safe ride. Visit
NCByTrain.org for more information, to plan your trip, and to buy tickets.
GHSP Grant Applications
Safety remains the top priority for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program awards federal grants as seed money for state and local organizations to implement traffic safety programs.
Now through the end of January, interested applicants can apply for grant projects that will occur during the 2026 federal fiscal year.
In 2024, GHSP awarded more than $22 million in community-based grants intended to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities on N.C. roads.
For more information, visit
ncdot.gov and search “GHSP grants.”