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Future Passenger Services

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Rail Work
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

In September 2024, NCDOT updated its Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study​. The study recommends pursuing intercity passenger rail service along a corridor that connects Raleigh, Goldsboro and Wilmington. It 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  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.

NCDOT completed an update to its Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study​ in December 2023. The passenger rail service is anticipated to follow the Norfolk Southern freight line between Salisbury to Asheville.  

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.

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12/2/2024 1:44 PM