From equipment and stations to safety when traveling, the N.C. Department of Transportation's Rail Division has played a major role in improving and modernizing passenger service in North Carolina.
Over the past 25 years, the NCDOT has invested more than $1 billion of state and federal funds in state-supported intercity passenger rail service, including renovation or construction of train stations, track work improvements, safety improvements and corridor preservation.
The Rail Division continues to plan for future rail service in North Carolina. Major initiatives include the development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor, service in southeast and western North Carolina and commuter rail services in Charlotte, the Triangle and Triad.
Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor Development
North Carolina is part of a six-state coalition (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C.) formed to develop the
Southeast High-Speed Rail corridor and provide frequent, reliable passenger trains that can travel at an average speed of 86 mph.
NCDOT and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation continue to coordinate planning efforts to improve and expand intercity passenger rail service in the Southeast with Amtrak. Both also look for opportunities to progress the high-speed rail project.
Benefits of the Southeast High-Speed Rail corridor include enhancing local economies, revitalizing urban centers, improving track safety and capacity as well as contributing to environmental sustainability.
Southeastern North Carolina
A more detailed Service Development Plan will be prepared through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program for the Southeastern North Carolina service and for a separate Fayetteville to Raleigh corridor.
Western North Carolina
To extend passenger rail service to Asheville and western North Carolina, NCDOT, in March 2001, adopted a plan that includes renovating or building train stations that incorporate other community uses such as mobility hubs that provide additional modes of transportation.
The feasibility study includes estimated costs, projected ridership and revenue information. A more detailed Service Development Plan will be prepared through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
NCDOT continues to work with communities on station and rail safety improvements while identifying federal, state and local funding to restore passenger rail service to the western part of the state.
Commuter Services
At the local level, the NCDOT is working with area transit authorities to plan commuter rail services for the
greater Charlotte area,
Triangle and
Triad.