For many people across Western North Carolina, the idea of stepping aboard a passenger train in Asheville and riding across the state has felt like more than just a transportation project—it has represented a long-overdue investment in our region’s future.
This week, that vision suffered a setback.
The North Carolina General Assembly chose not to include $28 million in funding for the proposed Asheville-to-Salisbury passenger rail corridor in the state’s final budget. While disappointing, supporters say the project is still very much alive and that they’ll continue working to secure funding during the next budget cycle.
Why This Matters
Asheville hasn’t had passenger rail service since 1975. For more than 50 years, Western North Carolina has been disconnected from North Carolina’s passenger rail network while other parts of the state have continued to expand service.
The proposed 139-mile route would reconnect Asheville with Salisbury, allowing passengers to transfer onto existing Amtrak and NC By Train routes serving Charlotte, Raleigh, the Northeast, and beyond. Plans call for three daily round trips with an estimated travel time of about three and a half hours between Asheville and Salisbury.
More Than Just a Train
Supporters have long argued that the project would be about much more than convenience.
Passenger rail could:
- Increase tourism throughout Western North Carolina.
- Give residents another transportation option.
- Reduce highway congestion.
- Create new economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.
- Better connect Asheville to the rest of North Carolina and the national rail network.
Why the Funding Was Important
Governor Josh Stein requested the initial $28 million appropriation as the first installment of the state’s share of the project. That money would have helped satisfy part of the approximately $133 million state and local match needed to unlock an estimated $532 million in federal funding for construction. The full project is currently estimated to cost about $665 million, with the federal government expected to cover roughly 80% if the project advances through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
Why Advocates Aren’t Giving Up
While the funding didn’t make this year’s budget, rail advocates say conversations with lawmakers have been encouraging.
According to the Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains and members of the Western North Carolina Rail Committee, many legislators remain supportive but want to wait until delays within the Federal Railroad Administration’s review process are resolved. Advocates have already been encouraged to return during the next budget cycle with another funding request.
That means this may be a delay—not the end of the project.
What Happens Next?
The project remains under federal review as part of a broader effort to expand passenger rail across North Carolina. Local advocates also plan to continue working with state agencies and local governments while providing additional updates later this year.
Our Thoughts
For a region that depends heavily on tourism and continues to grow, better transportation options matter.
Whether you support passenger rail for economic development, tourism, environmental reasons, or simply because you enjoy traveling by train, it’s difficult to ignore the excitement this project has generated throughout Western North Carolina.
Yes, this week’s news is disappointing.
But if history has taught us anything, it’s that major infrastructure projects rarely happen overnight.
We’ll continue following the story and hope Asheville’s passenger rail connection eventually becomes more than just a vision.
