For those opting out of the gridlock on North Carolina highways, it appears that NC By Train has become an increasingly popular alternative, with the Amtrak service breaking its ridership record for a third consecutive year in 2024. Hauling over 720,000 passengers last year, a 12% jump from the previous year and showing a robust 55% uptick since pre-pandemic 2019, the service is rapidly cementing its role as a contender in the state's transport options. According to NCDOT, this surge is attributed to the user-friendly nature of the service, its wallet-friendly fares, and the eco-positive choice it represents for environmentally conscious travelers.
Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins voiced the state's enthusiasm, "We're excited that NC By Train continues to grow and be an important transportation option for North Carolinians." and with the numbers consistently rising since 522,000 passengers in 2022 to 641,000 in 2023, adding a fifth-round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte in July of 2023 proved fruitful, meeting the increasing demand, officials are looking to further enhance frequencies and reach. The service's success story has been fueling exploration into more communities throughout the state, possibly heralding a new era of rail travel convenience and accessibility, as per NCDOT.
NC By Train also owes part of its passenger spike to various special events in 2024, such as the N.C State Fair, the Lexington Barbeque Festival, and the U.S. Open in Pinehurst. The latter witnessed the inauguration of the Open Express service to Pinehurst, showcasing NC By Train's commitment to servicing major state events. Additionally, the N.C. Ale Trail by Rail, a fresh partnership with the NC Craft Brewer's Guild, promotes the tourism of craft breweries via rail travel, intertwining local business support with the growing trend of train transport.
There's an arsenal of perks on board the NC By Train service; free WiFi, large seats, and charging outlets adorn each seat, a comfort design that molds with the hassle-free experience of skipping traffic and parking woes the service promises. For the bargain hunters, NC By Train dangles a range of discounts catering to children, students, military personnel, veterans, and seniors while Share Fare lets groups save more as they add more tickets to their purchase – it's an initiative that not only lightens the wallet's load but also encourages collective travel in this journey.
So, for North Carolinians pondering their next sojourn, be it for daily commutes or leisurely escapades, NC By Train positions itself as a sustainable, wallet-friendly, and stress-dodging alternative to the traditional motor vehicular hustle. The train might just be the ticket to a more relaxed, greener travel choice that lets passengers revel in the landscape without a glance at the rearview mirror.
