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NC By Train achieved record ridership in 2023 for the second year in a row.

The state’s intercity passenger rail service carried over 641,000 passengers in 2023, 23% higher than the record set in 2022 with 522,000 passengers.

“We’re pleased 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 two years, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further increase frequencies and expand service to communities across the state.”

Contributing to the service’s growth and popularity were the addition of a fifth-round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte in July 2023 and numerous events and special, stops such as the N.C State Fair, the Lexington Barbeque Festival and football games.

“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 an NCDOT news release. “NC By Train offers a variety of everyday discounts for children, students, active military personnel, veterans and seniors and 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.”

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

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