North Carolinians are traveling by train now more than ever, report says

More people are traveling by train in North Carolina, according to a new report from the state Department of Transportation. 

NC by Train, the state-supported intercity Amtrak service, carried over 720,000 passengers last year. That’s an increase of 55% over pre-pandemic ridership. 

The service has now reported record passenger numbers for three consecutive years. 

State transportation officials are attributing some of that growth to increased daily service. In a press release, the Rail Division said the addition of a fifth round-trip route between Charlotte and Raleigh has been particularly popular among passengers.

The division also launched several special services last year for events like the U.S. Open, North Carolina State Fair, and the Lexington Barbecue Festival. Train schedules were also adapted to accommodate early football games in Charlotte. 

State officials say they’re continuing to explore ways to increase service frequency and expand routes to new communities.