CPRPO News

2025 NC By Train Santa Train Ready to Roll

RALEIGH – Families can celebrate the holidays by getting on board NC By Train’s Santa Train on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The popular train originates at Raleigh Union Station, travels to Greensboro and returns to Raleigh. Passengers can board the train at any of the stations along the way in Raleigh, Cary, Durham or Burlington.

During the trip, children and families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and give Santa their holiday ‘Wish List’, enjoy light refreshments and make memories to last a lifetime while traveling aboard the state’s intercity passenger rail service.

People should reserve their seats now. Tickets for the one-day event are limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Tickets for the Raleigh Santa Train can be purchased online by visiting NCByTrain.org or calling 800-872-7245.

To ride the Santa Train, book your round-trip ticket(s) on Piedmont Train #73 leaving from any of these stops to Greensboro (GRO):

  • Raleigh Union Station (RGH) departing at 9:15 a.m.
  • Cary (CYN) departing at 9:30 a.m.
  • Durham (DNC) departing at 9:55 a.m.
  • Burlington (BNC) departing at 10:35 a.m.

Piedmont Train #73 arrives in Greensboro at 11 a.m.

Book the return portion of your round-trip ticket on Piedmont Train #72 departing Greensboro (GRO) at 11:56 a.m.

Scheduled departure times for Piedmont Train #72 to Raleigh will be adjusted to accommodate the Santa Train as follows only on Dec. 13:

  • Greensboro (GRO) departing at 11:56 a.m.
  • Burlington (BNC) departing at 12:20 p.m.
  • Durham (DNC) departing at 1:07 p.m.
  • Cary (CYN) departing at 1:35 p.m.

Arriving at Raleigh Union Station (RGH) at 1:48 p.m.

Please remember to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

NC By Train is an easy, hassle-free way to travel every day and to a variety of events, festivals and sporting events in comfort and convenience.

Visit NCByTrain.org for tickets, full schedules and discounts and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

CPRPO News

Ride to Iconic Fall Events by Train

RALEIGH – NC By Train tickets are on sale for special stops at the N.C. State Fair and Lexington Barbecue Festival.

The N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 16 – 26. Starting Oct. 16, NC By Train will make four stops at the Fairgrounds in Raleigh at 10:05 a.m. and 1:46 p.m. eastbound, and 3:33 p.m. and 5:48 p.m. westbound.

The 41st Annual Lexington Barbecue Festival is Oct. 25. NC By Train will make eight stops, unloading and boarding passengers at the Lexington Hospitality Center, which is at 29 North Railroad St., one block from the festival.  

To get to the Lexington Barbeque Festival, passengers can depart fromCharlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Cary and Raleigh.The trains will stop in Lexington at the following times:

  • From Raleigh toward Charlotte:
    • 8:48 a.m.
    • 12:18 p.m.
    • 3:03 p.m.
    • 5:48 p.m.
  • From Charlotte toward Raleigh:
    • 7:55 a.m.
    • 11:32 a.m.
    • 3:27 p.m.
    • 6:05 p.m

NC By Train has experienced record ridership in 2022, 2023 and 2024, carrying almost 721,000 passengers.

Tickets are on sale and seats are limited, so book your tickets today.

Skip the hassle of parking and take the train to a variety of fall events, festivals and sporting events in comfort and convenience.

Visit NCByTrain.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

CPRPO News

2025 Football Trains are on Track

RALEIGH – NC By Train has adjusted schedules to get fans to Charlotte for Carolina Panthers’ home games.

This year, there are seven opportunities to take NC By Train to home football games in Charlotte on Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 26., Nov. 9, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21 for the Carolina Panthers’ regularly scheduled home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Passengers have two options to get to Charlotte before the 1 p.m. kickoff. People can take Piedmont train 71, which stops in Cary, Durham, Greensboro and Kannapolis, to arrive in Charlotte around 9:30 a.m., or hop on Piedmont train 73, which will leave Raleigh Union Station at 8:40 a.m. and arrive in Charlotte at noon. Train 73 will make stops between Raleigh and Charlotte at stations in Cary, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury and Kannapolis.

After the game, catch Piedmont train 76 leaving Charlotte at 5 p.m. stopping in Kannapolis, Greensboro, Durham and Cary and returning to Raleigh just before 8 p.m. Passengers can also take Piedmont train 78, which departs Charlotte at 7:45 p.m. and stops in Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary before arriving in Raleigh around 11 p.m.

Visit NCByTrain.org to book your travel or get more information or learn about discounts.

The state’s passenger rail service is an easy, hassle-free way to travel. Taking NC By Train is an environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation choice that helps reduce congestion on the state’s highway system.

Follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

NCDOT Seeks Feedback on NC By Train Service

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.

Follow us on social media at Twitter/X  and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

More People Than Ever Travel NC By Train

NC By Train, the state-supported Amtrak service, 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.

“We’re excited that NC By Train continues to grow and be an important transportation option for North Carolinians,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Based on the success of the last three years, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further increase frequencies and expand service to more communities across the state.”

NC By Train’s growth since 2022 has been astounding with the service carrying 522,000 passengers in 2022 and 641,000 passengers in 2023. More people than ever are traveling by train in North Carolina. The service’s popularity appears to be growing as more people learn how easy and stress-free it is to use, the affordability of tickets, and the positive environmental benefits and sustainability of traveling by train, rail officials say. Increased availability of daily trip options has also benefited the service as NCDOT’s Rail Division continues to see a positive response to the addition of a fifth-round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte in July 2023.

Special stops and events in 2024 such as the N.C State Fair, the Lexington Barbeque Festival, and adjusted schedules to early football games in Charlotte have also contributed to NC By Train’s growth and popularity. NC By Train operated the first Open Express to Pinehurst N.C. during the U.S. Open in June and launched a new partnership with the NC Craft Brewer’s Guild called the N.C. Ale Trail by Rail, which encourages people to use the state’s intercity passenger rail service to explore N.C. craft breweries and support local businesses.

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.

Taking NC By Train is an environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation choice that helps reduce congestion on the state’s highway system. Skip the traffic and hassles of parking and take the train to a variety of events.

Visit NC By Train for more information, to plan a trip and to buy tickets.

Follow us on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

Santa Train Returns in 2024!

Join Santa Claus on NC By Train on Saturday, Dec. 14
RALEIGH – Families can celebrate the holidays by getting on board NC By Train’s Santa Train on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The popular train, which originates at Raleigh Union Station and travels to Greensboro, is back for the first time since 2019. People can board the train at any of the stations along the way in Raleigh, Cary, Durham or Burlington.

During the trip, children and families can make wonderful memories, meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and have refreshments while traveling aboard the state’s intercity passenger rail service.

People should reserve their seats now. Tickets for the one-day event are limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Tickets for the Raleigh Santa Train can be purchased online by visiting NCByTrain.org or calling 800-872-7245.

To ride the Santa Train, book your round-trip ticket on Piedmont Train #73 leaving from any of these stops to Greensboro (GRO):
  • Raleigh Union Station (RGH) departing at 10 a.m.
  • Cary (CYN) departing at 10:12 a.m.
  • Durham (DNC) departing at 10:32 a.m.
  • Burlington (BNC) departing at 11:08 a.m.

Train #73 arrives in Greensboro at 11:33 a.m.

Book the return trip of your round-trip ticket on Piedmont Train #72 departing Greensboro at 12:20 p.m.

Scheduled departure times for Piedmont Train #72 to Raleigh will be adjusted to accommodate the Santa Train as follows only on Dec. 14:

  • Greensboro (GRO) departing at 12:20 pm
  • Burlington (BNC) departing at 12:42 p.m.
  • Durham (DNC) departing at 1:23 p.m.
  • Cary (CYN) departing at 1:49 p.m.
  • Arriving at Raleigh Union Station (RGH) at 2:02 p.m.

Please remember to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

NC By Train is an easy, hassle-free way to travel every day and to a variety of events, festivals and sporting events in comfort and convenience. Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation choice that helps reduce congestion on the state’s highway system.

Visit NCByTrain.org for tickets, full schedules and discounts and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

NCDOT Awards Grants Supporting Short Line Railroad Improvements

R.J Corman Railroad Company engines operating in the Raleigh and Fayetteville Railroad.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is investing almost $13 million to improve rail infrastructure on 11 short line freight railroads and to the state ports in Morehead City and Wilmington.

“The benefits these projects offer the statewide freight rail network can’t be overstated,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. “Together, NCDOT and our short line partners are increasing reliability and resiliency in freight rail operations, supporting North Carolina businesses and contributing to the state’s economic vitality.”

The state’s $12.9 million contribution is provided through the Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement (FRRCSI) program. The FRRCSI program was established in 2014 to support statewide freight rail infrastructure health, safety and performance while establishing partnerships to effectively meet the growing demand for rail service.

The state’s contribution will match equal investments for each project from participating railroad companies and the North Carolina Ports Authority. A total of $25.8 million will be invested into the statewide freight rail network through these projects.

“This investment highlights our strong partnership with the state of North Carolina and our mutual dedication to enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure,” said R. J. Corman Railroad Company president Ray Goss. “We are grateful to NCDOT for their unwavering support of our operations. With this funding and partnership, we remain committed to delivering exceptional rail services that contribute to the prosperity and development of the communities we serve.”

The projects will upgrade over 10 miles of railroad corridor, improve 16 railroad bridges, and enhance port rail operations, supporting the increase of freight rail traffic on the statewide railroad network.

“Whether upgrading mainline track or renewing bridge structures, the cooperation of NCDOT’s Rail Division continues to be instrumental in recognizing and supporting these projects which enable a safer and more efficient rail transportation network throughout North Carolina,” said Carl Hollowell, president of The Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad.

Those awarded projects and the state grant funds are:
  • Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway: $177,450 for bridge improvements along the Piedmont and Sandhills divisions (Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, and Stanly counties).
  • Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad: $723,130 for track upgrades on the Aberdeen district (Hoke County).
  • Alexander Railroad Company: $500,000 for track upgrades on the mainline rail corridor (Alexander County).
  • Alexander Railroad Company: $125,000 for track upgrades in the Statesville rail yard (Iredell County).
  • Atlantic Railways Company: $388,192 for track upgrades along the Badin subdivision (Stanly County).
  • Atlantic & Western Railway: $494,950 for corridor improvements and track upgrades to the Cumnock branch (Lee County).
  • Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad: $607,735 for bridge improvements and track upgrades along the CA mainline (Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans counties).
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: $2,080,364 for refurbishment and construction of new sidings, track upgrades, culvert and drainage upgrades and slope retaining wall construction (Jackson, Swain, Macon, Cherokee counties).
  • North Carolina Ports (Morehead City): $555,678 for upgrades to track, rail/highway crossings, and railcar switching operations (Carteret County).
  • North Carolina Ports (Wilmington): $3,891,020 for construction of rail storage track and raising adjoining track (New Hanover County).
  • North Carolina and Virginia Railroad: $1,011,279 for track upgrades and rail corridor improvements (Bertie and Northampton counties).
  • Raleigh & Fayetteville Railroad: $999,586 for rail corridor improvements (Wake and Harnett counties).
  • Wilmington Terminal Railroad: $639,528 for track upgrades within the Wilmington port rail yard (New Hanover County).
    • Yadkin Valley Railroad: $750,130 for rail track upgrades and rail corridor improvements (Surry County).

Bolded ones are in CPRPO’s region
Follow us on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

NCDOT Announces Special Train Stops for Fall Events

The iconic Ferris wheel is reflected in the window of a Piedmont train operated by NC By Train at the 2023 State Fair.

​RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division announced today that NC By Train, the state’s passenger rail service, will make special stops at this year’s N.C. State Fair and Lexington Barbecue Festival.

The N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 17 – 27. Starting Oct. 18, NC By Train will make four stops at the fairgrounds in Raleigh at 9:53 a.m., 1:46 p.m., 3:33 p.m. and 5:48 p.m.

The 40th Annual Lexington Barbecue Festival is Oct. 26. NC By Train will make eight stops, unloading and boarding passengers at the Lexington Hospitality Center, which is at 29 North Railroad St., one block from the festival.

To get to the festival, passengers can depart from Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Cary and Raleigh. The trains will stop in Lexington at the following times:

From Raleigh toward Charlotte:

  • 8:43 a.m.
  • 12:13 p.m.
  • 3:13 p.m.
  • 5:29 p.m.

From Charlotte toward Raleigh:

  • 7:50 a.m.
  • 11:27 a.m.
  • 3:22 p.m.
  • 6:30 p.m.

NC By Train experienced its highest ridership ever in 2022 and 2023 and ridership in 2024 continues to break records. Tickets are now on sale and seats are limited, so book your tickets today.

Skip the hassle of parking and take the train to a variety of fall events, festivals and sporting events in comfort and convenience. Visit NCByTrain.org for tickets, full schedules and discounts to get to the events and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

NCDOT Announces Special Train in June from Raleigh to the U.S. Open in Pinehurst (edited)

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division announced today that NC By Train, the state’s passenger rail service, will run a special train from Raleigh to this year’s U.S. Open in Pinehurst.

“We’re thrilled to work with so many partners including Amtrak, Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway and the U.S. Golf Association to be able to offer this special trip experience,” said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Special trains and stops like this provide the opportunity to avoid potential traffic and parking issues at large events and also show people everything that’s possible when we improve and expand our intercity passenger rail.”

The “Open Express” train will run daily between Raleigh Union Station and the Pinehurst Clubhouse near the Pinehurst No. 2 golf course from June 13-16, when championship play is scheduled for the U.S. Open. The practice rounds for the golf tourney are June 10-12.

“We are delighted to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other partners to offer this unique transportation option to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “This is an exciting, historic event and we welcome this opportunity to give golf fans an enjoyable, stress-free way to travel to and from Pinehurst with their friends and families.”

The morning train will depart Raleigh Union Station at 7 a.m. and Cary at 7:15 a.m. and arrive in Pinehurst at approximately 9:10 a.m. The evening train will depart from the Pinehurst Clubhouse at 6:35 p.m. and arrive in Cary at about 8:30 p.m. and Raleigh Union Station about 15 minutes later.

The “Open Express” train tickets are available for purchase now on Amtrak’s website. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis and seating is limited. Standard tickets are $25 each way. When purchasing your ticket(s) online, type or select “Pinehurst NC” for your destination and return trip. Food and beverages will be available to purchase on board.

Passengers will access the championship rounds through Gate 10 adjacent to the Pinehurst Clubhouse, which is just a short walk from the Pinehurst No. 2 course.

“Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is proud to help the state of North Carolina provide such convenient passenger train travel for tournament attendees,” said Robert Menzies, founder and owner of Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway. “This can make the 30,000-40,000 daily visitors realize the conveniences of passenger rail travel in North Carolina and make the USGA’s Tournament a great worldwide event.”

Taking NC By Train is an environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation choice that helps reduce congestion on the state’s highway system. Skip the hassle of traffic and parking and take the train to this event and use the everyday service for a variety of events, festivals and sporting events in comfort and convenience. Numerous trip options and everyday discounts are available.

Visit NC By Train for more information, to plan a trip and buy tickets.

Follow us on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.
 
Edited: Removed note about an Observation Dome Car because it is not available.

***NCDOT***

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