Bill > S243

This bill directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a potential commuter rail service in the Piedmont Triad region, which includes the cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. The study must examine the cost and economic benefits of establishing rail service, with a long-term perspective that includes population and development projections through 2050. Specific requirements include developing a phased construction plan prioritizing routes with the highest projected ridership, analyzing potential initial routes connecting the three cities, estimating daily ridership and annual operational costs, calculating land acquisition expenses, and recommending a management entity for the rail service. NCDOT is required to submit a report with study findings and recommendations to the legislative transportation oversight committee and Fiscal Research Division by December 29, 2025. The bill allocates $100,000 in non-recurring funds from the Highway Fund to support the study, which will become effective on July 1, 2025, and expire on December 29, 2025. The goal is to explore a potential public transportation solution that could improve regional connectivity and support future growth in the Piedmont Triad area.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S243