The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is opening the floor to public input on the NC By Train intercity passenger rail service. With an array of improvements and expansions on the horizon, NCDOT is setting the stage for community engagement through a series of informational meetings, as outlined in a press release.
Enthusiasm for this public discourse is palpable. “We're excited to discuss new service options between Raleigh and Charlotte," Rail Division Director Jason Orthner said in the release. NCDOT is set to to quickly start their outreach with the first meeting slated for May 27 at Burlington's City Gate Community Center. Additional sessions will follow in Salisbury, High Point, and Kannapolis through early June. These gatherings promise to provide a platform for the populace to voice their needs and preferences directly to the agency's staff.
The core aim here is two-fold: to educate the public on the nuanced considerations involved in enhancing train service, and to distill their feedback. An online survey echoes this sentiment, extending the invitation for commentary to those unable to attend the physical events. This survey is not an afterthought; it's a vital part of the conversation that will remain accessible until June 30, ensuring ample opportunity for engagement.
A testament to the significance of these developments, NC By Train boasts a rising wave of patronage—a clear indicator of the service's resonance within North Carolina. With record-breaking ridership numbers in 2024, hitting a swift 12% increase from the preceding year and an even more telling 55% rise since pre-pandemic 2019, the expansion efforts could not be better timed. Riders have come to expect amenities such as spacious seating, charging outlets, and complimentary WiFi that NC By Train delivers.
A diverse range of discounts are available to cater to a broad spectrum of travelers, according to the NCDOT release. Whether you're a child, student, active military, veteran, or senior, there's a discount that can make the journey more accessible. Furthermore, Share Fare seeks to incentivize group travel, reducing costs incrementally with each additional ticket purchased within a party of up to eight.
For more details on travel planning, ticket purchases, or for those eager to contribute to the future of NC By Train, a visit to their official website is the way forward.
