RALEIGH – NCDOT is seeking input about NC By Train intercity passenger rail service and expected improvements and an expansion being planned in the next couple of years.
NCDOT's Rail Division will host informational meetings in numerous locations between Raleigh and Charlotte beginning in May. These meetings will inform the public about what considerations go into planning and operating passenger rail service as well as allow people to provide feedback through an online survey.
“We're excited to discuss new service options between Raleigh and Charlotte," said Rail Division Director Jason Orthner. “Hearing from members of the community along the Piedmont route, how they use the service and what improvements they would like to see is an important part of that planning and the service's success."
The public engagement open houses will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the following schedule:
May 27 at the City Gate Community Center in Burlington, 1423 N. Church St.
June 2 at the Rowan Museum in Salisbury, 202 N. Main St.
June 4 at the High Point Public Library, 901 N. Main St.
June 10 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Kannapolis, 416 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
These meetings will be an open-house format and people may drop in at any time. NCDOT Rail Division staff will be available to answer questions and discuss train service and plans. There will also be a survey for people to complete at the meetings. The survey will also be available online until June 30.
The improvements and expansion are driven by increased demand for the state's passenger rail service. NC By Train achieved record ridership in 2024 for the third year in a row. The state's intercity passenger rail service carried over 720,000 passengers in 2024, which is a 12% increase from 2023 and a 55% increase since 2019, prior to COVID.
NCDOT encourages people to take advantage of the safe, comfortable and convenient transportation available on NC By Train with its large seats, charging outlets at each seat and free WiFi.
NC By Train offers a variety of everyday discounts for children, students, active military personnel, veterans and seniors. The service also offers Share Fare, which allows groups of up to eight people to save money with each additional ticket that is purchased.
Visit NC By Train for more information, to plan a trip and to buy tickets.
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