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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 more than 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,” noted a news release from NCDOT. “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,” stated the release. “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,” the release continued. “Skip the traffic and hassles of parking and take the train to a variety of events.”

Go to ncbytrain.org for more information, to plan a trip and to buy tickets.

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