This is the kind of service the USA should be focusing to expand rail passenger traffic. These medium distance trains can be the most profitable if they are focused on reliability and ON-TIME performance!
These trains can be successful but they need at minimum 7 round trips a day. Expanding routes like the Capital Corridor and Hiawatha saw the ridership explode.
I live near this line and have seriously considered taking it. Both train stations are not in the best part of town, transport options are poor at both ends, and frankly it's faster to drive. Part of this push for trains needs to include what people want, rather than what they should want.
In college, before I had a car, I regularly rode the train between Raleigh and High Point. At the time, there was only one Piedmont train each day - departing from Raleigh in the morning and arriving in Raleigh in the evening. If I needed to leave Raleigh in the evening, then I took the Carolinian. I was never a big fan of the Carolinian, which is why I only rode it twice. The Carolinian used standard Amtrak rolling stock, which I thought was dark and dingy compared to the bright and clean interior of the Piedmont train. The Carolinian was also more crowded, and both times I rode it, it was late. You can hardly tell that the Piedmont cars were originally built in the 1950s and 1960s because they are refurbished so well. The old Raleigh station was a complete dump, and it only had one side platform, so if a train was stuck at the station for any reason (happened to me once), then everyone got delayed. The new Raleigh station is LONG overdue. The High Point station is a very nice station that is over 100 years old and was refurbished in the early 2000s. I hope that Amtrak and NCDOT continues to invest in rail, especially as the existing roads like I-40 and I-85 become more and more congested. I would also like to see more cities serviced by rail, including Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Asheville, and Greenville, which are the 5th, 8th, 11th, and 12th largest municipalities in North Carolina, respectively.
Wish other state DOTs would follow North Carolinas lead as state supported services expand. Those coaches look way nicer than the horizons across much of the midwest.
It would be good if they get the new Charlotte station built. The current station is in a mostly inconvenient area north of downtown. There are not good mass transit connections to it, as the light rail is on the other side of the rail yard and not connected to the station. Hopefully this new downtown station will let passengers get to their destinations more easily and be better connected to the rest of the city's mass transit network, which is expanding.
Yes! This is my home passenger service as I’m from Greensboro right along the route. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve ridden one of their trains but the cleanliness, comfort and NCDOT’s overall dedication to rail travel always amazes me.
You must have forgotten north of the border. At the moment, Via Rail still has a few railcars from 1947 and 1948 on the roster (to be retired in the next year or two).
Via Canada’s oldest operating rail cars are from 1946! The oldest in the fleet is from 1939 but is in Storage. Many of the old workhouses are on the Quebec City-Windsor route and will be replaced by new rail cars. These cars will then move on to other via routes. Via also 1947 era cars run on the Toronto to Vancouver and other long distance trips.
@@IndustrialParrot2816 NCRR goes back to the early 1800s and leased to NS, though some other ROWs have been added to the NCRR as other operators sell off. This includes the S-Line north of Raleigh which NCRR is trying to aquire (and a short abandoned section to tie it to the VA S-Line that's being rebuilt) that should see this or a sister service extend regional rail north of Raleigh.
It will be nice to see the new Charlotte station finally built. I lived in Charlotte in the early '90s and they were discussing a new station back then.
Very nice. The new station in Raleigh was repurposed from a ball-bearing factory. The lounge cars were built by St Louis Car in 1953 for the US Army as hospital cars. The State of North Carolina has suspended further refurbishment of old rolling stock and has offered unrebuilt equipment for sale in anticipation of everything being replaced by new Venture trainsets. (You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.)
Mich of the station was part of Dillon Supply, an industrial steel and metals distributor. In the 40+ years I've lived in Raleigh it's not been a factory, only a warehouse.
Good, it's time to upgrade the system by having these old trains (which should be in a museum or be used by a private railway company) be replaced by the newer ones from Siemens; it's more than high time for railways in the United States be upgraded to current (First) world standards.
The new Siemens trainsets are a complete boondoggle and waste of state funds. The old rolling stock was due for a rebuild and the money should have went to that, not trainsets that aren't due to show up for another decade and a half.
I live in Raleigh and my family uses this regularly to go to and from Charlotte for day trips. It’s fast and easy and usually coming home we can nap. The train is much faster than driving to Raleigh even with all the stops. I can’t wait for gateway station to open in Charlotte!
It's not faster depending on which parts of the cities you are going to and what you are going to do when you get there. I am a bit underwhelmed with both downtowns, but in fairness I am not a huge fan of cities.
Furthermore, stainless steel avoids graffiti... Just wipe the paint off with water and a paper towel... The federal government encourages by law the usage of stainless steel in commercial kitchens nationwide...
The tracks are owned by the North Carolina Railroad, which has been owned by the state government since they chartered it in 1849. It was leased to Norfolk Southern (and it's predecessors) from 1871 to 1999. Since then, Norfolk Southern has operated and maintained the line on behalf of the state in exchange for trackage rights. It being single-tracked with passing siddings, you have to stop to let others pass.
And since it is so much easier to stop a short passenger train compared to stopping a very long freight train, dispatchers know who butters their bread. It isn't Amtrak...
Substantial portions of that line have been returned to double track, and efforts continue to improve throughput. The S-Line reactivation and conversion to passenger service should see regional and interstate rail north of Raleigh to Richmond substantially improve, including several through-running Amtrak services that'll save over an hour - even before that line gets upgraded with near-total grade separation and curves for over 85mph operation.
In the text he said "legally passenger trains have priority" I don't believe that is accurate. I know it depends on who owns the rail. My understanding in the US was top priority to Military trains, 2nd to Freight trains, 3rd Passenger and 4th Excursion. I would assume the freight was stopped for another reason than to just let the Piedmont by.
Good to see you made it to Raleigh for NC's regional service - the new station is great and we're looking forward to the re-activation of the old higher speed Seaboard S-line up to DC. Too bad about the weather during your visit - it's rather pleasant most other days of the year here!
9:31 Heading into Mebane, NC. Brief shot of Oakwood Cemetery and ending at Buffaloe Lanes Bowling alley. I typically see this train a couple of times a day when I'm heading into or out of Durham.
This is a train I would take a lot when I was attending the university in Charlotte and heading home to Greensboro actually. In fact there was a ticket discount for all the college students who lived on campus. Just like you, there were a lot good features that I benefited from as a student. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed this convenient service I my state. Something to mention is that the rail yard in Greensboro you pointed out is actually for the rail maintenance equipment storage. The actual Greensboro rail yard was further down the line after that. You should also check out the Greensboro station, it’s interior is much bigger than the Charlotte or Raleigh stations. If I had known that you were going to review this route, I would’ve been happy to record your train passing by. Anyway, thanks for this great content.
I love everything this train has to offer. Best I have seen so far on your journeys across America. Even the long haul trains aren't this nice. Would love to travel on this route some time soon.
This video is extremely well done. I have taken the Piedmont from Salisbury to Raleigh several times, and your information is 100% correct. It's a wonderful route and a great experience. Nice job!
THAT'S why they look so distinguished, they're actually pre-Amtrak cars! Absolutely amazing NCDOT chose these Also using the train's Wi-Fi to read up _about_ the train, very nice. I did the same thing when I took the Capitol Limited to Chicago
I live close to Charlotte and see the Piedmont go by all the time 🙋🏻♀️ I can't wait for the Gateway Station to open so I can take the train all the way into Uptown to shop & hang out, especially when there are festivals and special events. It was nice to see the trip from Raleigh to here and a very nice review of those great retro cars! Thank you!
Hello! Glad to have had you in North Carolina, and you are always welcome to come back. North Carolina's train system was what "awoke" the Rip Van Winkle State up in the mid-1800s right before the Civil War. Gov. Morehead (whose home was in Greensboro NC, and is now a museum Blandwood) is the Father of the North Carolina Railroad system. He pushed the train systems forward, realizing that the trains would help boost the North Carolina sleepy economy into overdrive. From that point forward NC has had a massive gain in our economy as opposed to how we were originally in the 13 colonies. North Carolina historically owes a great deal to the train systems.
Besides coaches from UP and KCS, there are baggage lounge cars rebuilt from US Army medical services cars. The Kansas City Southern cars previously belonged to Chicago & North Western, then NJ Transit. The F59 units were from GO Transit in Toronto. NCDOT bought additional cars from Ringling Bros Circus plus it's parts inventory. However, NCDOT may be slated to get some of Amtrak's new Siemens cars. The Circus cars were never rebuilt and were listed for auction sale by the state late last year, no takers. CORRECTION: the Kansas City Southern cars were built by Pullman Standard in 1965, the last ever railroad intercity cars in the US. The UP cars were built by St Louis Car Co just before.
I have been waiting for you to do this video for quite a while. I'll. It's a very unique train service and I used to live in North Carolina so it makes stops in a town I used to live and I have taken it to Charlotte plenty of times. Very comfortable mostly on time and has pretty good ridership
My state! Cool trip! Unfortunately, that corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte along I40/I85 is probably on of the least aesthetically pleasing areas of this beautiful state, but you can’t have everything!
Whoa, that was really unique! The rolling stock is peculiar but in a nice way. I really don’t know NC so I had no idea they had this service, and $27 for a 170 mile ride is pretty good.
By the looks of the exterior, I think I'd agree that the Emerald coach is one of the formerly UP 44 seat coaches. Very comfortable ride as I recall from early Amtrak experiences. Keep up the great work. Love the videos.
If what's there isn't having prohibitive maintenance or operational challenges, I'd rather see new rolling stock expand service first rather than replacing old but functional equipment.
I’m glad to see your comment regarding the coffee. When I worked Onboard Services on The AutoTrain, (October 1995-March 1997) they started replacing the brewed coffee with coffee machines in this video. I wasn’t crazy about it either. I’m not sure if they went back to brewed coffee
I just discovered your channel. I live in Arizona. Between 2009 and 2013 I lived in Germany and loved taking the trains around Europe. Many wonderful memories of the trains and train stations. Went to Paris by car but I wish we had taken the train as Paris traffic was terrible :-). I really like your video's so I subscribed. I've watched 3 tonight. Bon Chance!
I like the color and the print of the seats. When I worked for Amtrak, I didn’t travel (on vacation) by train much other than through the Northeast Corridor
I live in Cary myself. I used the service 2 years ago to go to the Lexington BBQ festival. They open a station in Lexington which is between the High Point and Salisbury stations on that 1 day. Speaking of Salisbury that is where Cheerwine was first produced. Thats why you saw it in the vending machines.
Watching your videos is so relaxing, especially the day trips. Looking at the peaceful countryside and enjoying coffee and snacks, is so relaxing. Great job buddy.
I thought the Piedmont rolling stock ride like a dream when I rode it a few years ago. Better than the Amfleet coach I ride in on the Carolinian a few days before.
Congradulation to you,so you did a great job.Best presentation my friend NC one of my favorite Area It's a quite place & calm.I already travelled to :Raleigh,Greens Boro,Greens Vil and the down town of Greens Boro
Actually snack machines on American trains aren't unique or new. Amtrak had them once between Chicago and Grand Rapids and the Southern Pacific also operated them in the 1960's. While they certainly save on labor and food costs, they do often break down.
Hi: Thank you for this trip report! I grew up near Charlotte and worked in Raleigh area but retired and started traveling and never saw the new union station in Raleigh. It was just a dream when I left town. I have traveled on the Piedmont to Charlotte and back and took my kids on a trip from Raleigh to Durham so they could experience a real train..... NOT THOMAS! PS: think about bumping your text up a bit. I have to pause the video, Close the ad which blocks the text and read and restart the video...Just a suggestion for the end user experience.
Wow! This is what I expect from USA. This level of comfort even better than British or Chinese trains for a short distance trip and very affordable too. Best wishes to the American People. Now please support these endeavors so that more can come as it becomes a profitable mode for transport.
Not a big fan of vending machine coaches, but a nice trip nonetheless. BTW, if I am not mistaken the Stae of North Carolina owns the tracks that are used by these trains and the NS freights?
This was excellent. I am taking this NC RR to Charlotte in 2 weeks to visit my husband who is working there. I am traveling from Wilmington, NC, to Cary as transportation here sucks. I would drive to Charlotte, but The Collective in Charlotte has no visitors parking. My husband lives there which I thought would be a great place. Not for visitors. Anyway, I will go to Cary and take the train. This video gave me an idea of what to expect. Thanks for doing this.
Can't wait for the new charlotte gateway station to be built. It's supposed to be really nice. It will be in the center of a newly developed "gateway district" within the city.
A lovely video - thanks. The re-purposed factory that is now Raleigh station is fantastic. The train service is obviously run by a company that really cares about its services - the great refurbushment of the passenger cars and their individual naming are just 2 indicators of this.
Thank you for reviewing the Carolinian. I hope you are enjoying/enjoyed your stay in Charlotte, my home town. Did you ride the light rail Blue Line and Gold Line?
When I visited there about 15 years ago, the locals called this "The Money Train", because it was the train the governor used to commute to the capitol each week.
One thing I’d like to see them do with the Piedmont in the future is upgrade the infrastructure & rolling stock to allow for faster speeds and reduced journey times.
Literally watching the construction of the new Charlotte Gateway station outside of my window. It will be in a much better location, right in uptown where it should be.
Yes…and if Amtrak would have dedicated rail vs depending on freight-they would not have to wait as well as new tracks to allow increased speeds and safer traveling!!!
Unfortunately the US government hasn't nationalized the railroads like other nations worldwide. Most of the tracks are owned by the large freight railroads, some with their largest shareholders being Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. The dispatchers know who butters their bread, and it isn't Amtrak...
I live in Greensboro. The rail yard you were referring to belonged to the Atlantic & Yadkin railroad before it merged with Southern railroad. Since then all freight operations originate at Pomona yard for Greensboro
So I'm sure this has been mentioned already, but the state of North Carolina owns the rails that the Piedmont service runs on. They own the NC Line (Greensboro to Raleigh and further east) and they own the portion of the Southern Railway main from Charlotte to Greensboro. The money from the lease to Norfolk Southern pays for the Piedmont service.
What a great train, living history! (I'd have gotten the Potato Skins, tho!🤷🏻♂️BTW, I noticed a can of Cheerwine soda in the vending machine - that's a delicious soda that's made in North Carolina.) Thanks, as always, for another great video and another great route I must try!
This is the kind of service the USA should be focusing to expand rail passenger traffic. These medium distance trains can be the most profitable if they are focused on reliability and ON-TIME performance!
the quality of life improvement provided by a strong rail network matters more than profitability since it is tax payer funded, but yeah
Also suburban trains
These trains can be successful but they need at minimum 7 round trips a day. Expanding routes like the Capital Corridor and Hiawatha saw the ridership explode.
And frequency
I live near this line and have seriously considered taking it. Both train stations are not in the best part of town, transport options are poor at both ends, and frankly it's faster to drive. Part of this push for trains needs to include what people want, rather than what they should want.
You crossed the 8 foot 11 bridge!!!
Sadly, many delivery trucks have not!
In college, before I had a car, I regularly rode the train between Raleigh and High Point. At the time, there was only one Piedmont train each day - departing from Raleigh in the morning and arriving in Raleigh in the evening. If I needed to leave Raleigh in the evening, then I took the Carolinian.
I was never a big fan of the Carolinian, which is why I only rode it twice. The Carolinian used standard Amtrak rolling stock, which I thought was dark and dingy compared to the bright and clean interior of the Piedmont train. The Carolinian was also more crowded, and both times I rode it, it was late. You can hardly tell that the Piedmont cars were originally built in the 1950s and 1960s because they are refurbished so well.
The old Raleigh station was a complete dump, and it only had one side platform, so if a train was stuck at the station for any reason (happened to me once), then everyone got delayed. The new Raleigh station is LONG overdue.
The High Point station is a very nice station that is over 100 years old and was refurbished in the early 2000s.
I hope that Amtrak and NCDOT continues to invest in rail, especially as the existing roads like I-40 and I-85 become more and more congested. I would also like to see more cities serviced by rail, including Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Asheville, and Greenville, which are the 5th, 8th, 11th, and 12th largest municipalities in North Carolina, respectively.
Wish other state DOTs would follow North Carolinas lead as state supported services expand. Those coaches look way nicer than the horizons across much of the midwest.
Lol agreed...
Would be great if South Carolina would put in a rail system that ties into NCDOT rail at Charlotte. Both states would profit.
@@johnnorris8567 true
Midwest is supposed to get Siemens Ventures. I kinda don't want the same for Piedmont. 😅
I think this is eventually going to extend to serve South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia in the future.
It would be good if they get the new Charlotte station built. The current station is in a mostly inconvenient area north of downtown. There are not good mass transit connections to it, as the light rail is on the other side of the rail yard and not connected to the station. Hopefully this new downtown station will let passengers get to their destinations more easily and be better connected to the rest of the city's mass transit network, which is expanding.
Fun fact: NC ferries are named after schools in the university system. I love that the state names its transit after itself!
Yes! This is my home passenger service as I’m from Greensboro right along the route. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve ridden one of their trains but the cleanliness, comfort and NCDOT’s overall dedication to rail travel always amazes me.
Actually, some of the Cafe Cars date from 1949, making them the oldest active passenger cars in North America
Pullman-Standard built some of the finest passenger cars in North America, there is a reason so many survived...
Delaware Car Co. in Wilmington has performed all of the car rebuild work for NCDOT. A private company performs the day to day maintenance work.
You must have forgotten north of the border. At the moment, Via Rail still has a few railcars from 1947 and 1948 on the roster (to be retired in the next year or two).
Via Canada’s oldest operating rail cars are from 1946! The oldest in the fleet is from 1939 but is in Storage. Many of the old workhouses are on the Quebec City-Windsor route and will be replaced by new rail cars. These cars will then move on to other via routes. Via also 1947 era cars run on the Toronto to Vancouver and other long distance trips.
NCRR owns the ROW, Norfolk Southern has a lease to use and maintain. Something quite unique.
yeah they bought up tracks from Norfolk Southern so they couldn't interfere with passenger operations
@@IndustrialParrot2816 NCRR goes back to the early 1800s and leased to NS, though some other ROWs have been added to the NCRR as other operators sell off. This includes the S-Line north of Raleigh which NCRR is trying to aquire (and a short abandoned section to tie it to the VA S-Line that's being rebuilt) that should see this or a sister service extend regional rail north of Raleigh.
@@daniellewis1789NCDOT is acquiring the S-line not NCRR.
Hats off to NCDOT!
Those refurbished carriages are incredibly nice.
Thank you for the video!
That station is a lot bigger and better than the station in Rayleigh, Essex, UK.
It will be nice to see the new Charlotte station finally built. I lived in Charlotte in the early '90s and they were discussing a new station back then.
Been 2 years and we still haven’t seen a new station
@@maylenehemingway5692
2028 at the earliest. Thank the City of Charlotte and their Public Private Partnerships.
Very nice. The new station in Raleigh was repurposed from a ball-bearing factory.
The lounge cars were built by St Louis Car in 1953 for the US Army as hospital cars.
The State of North Carolina has suspended further refurbishment of old rolling stock and has offered unrebuilt equipment for sale in anticipation of everything being replaced by new Venture trainsets. (You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.)
Mich of the station was part of Dillon Supply, an industrial steel and metals distributor. In the 40+ years I've lived in Raleigh it's not been a factory, only a warehouse.
@@sal3060 You are completely correct. Cannot remember where the ball bearing story came from.
Good, it's time to upgrade the system by having these old trains (which should be in a museum or be used by a private railway company) be replaced by the newer ones from Siemens; it's more than high time for railways in the United States be upgraded to current (First) world standards.
The new Siemens trainsets are a complete boondoggle and waste of state funds. The old rolling stock was due for a rebuild and the money should have went to that, not trainsets that aren't due to show up for another decade and a half.
I live in Raleigh and my family uses this regularly to go to and from Charlotte for day trips. It’s fast and easy and usually coming home we can nap. The train is much faster than driving to Raleigh even with all the stops. I can’t wait for gateway station to open in Charlotte!
It's not faster depending on which parts of the cities you are going to and what you are going to do when you get there. I am a bit underwhelmed with both downtowns, but in fairness I am not a huge fan of cities.
Same here
@@atrifle8364 why are Americans so obsessed with speed? Comfort and having time to nap is also one thing to consider to be honest.
(15:20) Metallic surfaces are always better against microbes and bacteria than plastic. Silver has the best antibacterial effect. - Cheers, Heinz
Copper alloys like brass are even better, particularly in low temperature/humidity environments.
Furthermore, stainless steel avoids graffiti... Just wipe the paint off with water and a paper towel... The federal government encourages by law the usage of stainless steel in commercial kitchens nationwide...
The tracks are owned by the North Carolina Railroad, which has been owned by the state government since they chartered it in 1849. It was leased to Norfolk Southern (and it's predecessors) from 1871 to 1999. Since then, Norfolk Southern has operated and maintained the line on behalf of the state in exchange for trackage rights.
It being single-tracked with passing siddings, you have to stop to let others pass.
And since it is so much easier to stop a short passenger train compared to stopping a very long freight train, dispatchers know who butters their bread. It isn't Amtrak...
Substantial portions of that line have been returned to double track, and efforts continue to improve throughput. The S-Line reactivation and conversion to passenger service should see regional and interstate rail north of Raleigh to Richmond substantially improve, including several through-running Amtrak services that'll save over an hour - even before that line gets upgraded with near-total grade separation and curves for over 85mph operation.
In the text he said "legally passenger trains have priority" I don't believe that is accurate. I know it depends on who owns the rail. My understanding in the US was top priority to Military trains, 2nd to Freight trains, 3rd Passenger and 4th Excursion. I would assume the freight was stopped for another reason than to just let the Piedmont by.
Really interesting the way you detail your location on the train. Very unique and informative. I think I will subscribe and see more. Thanks.
In Japan, the distance would cost about $70, so I envy you for being able to travel so cheaply.
You mean Shinkansen right?
@@eptometha2043
No, it's the fare for express trains on conventional lines.
The bullet train costs about $80.
I thought everyone praise Japan train system because they are up to date plus never really late
@@quanbrooklynkid7776 we do but compared to other countries its expensive, but its really reliable so no one complains
Come to India you would get to your destination very cheaply around 5$ - 10$
The NCDOT supports this service. The entire area benefits.
Thank you Thibault for sharing with us.👍👍💚💚😄😄
Good to see you made it to Raleigh for NC's regional service - the new station is great and we're looking forward to the re-activation of the old higher speed Seaboard S-line up to DC. Too bad about the weather during your visit - it's rather pleasant most other days of the year here!
We of North Carolina thank you for your praise. I remember the day of your trip very clearly.
I am glad he liked it but not all of us care about the praise.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS HE DID NC TRAINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I live in Raleigh, but I haven't been to the new station yet. I will have to check it out!
9:31 Heading into Mebane, NC. Brief shot of Oakwood Cemetery and ending at Buffaloe Lanes Bowling alley. I typically see this train a couple of times a day when I'm heading into or out of Durham.
Really cool to see my state featured in a travel video!
This is my home state. I've had this train on my bucket list for ever. Now I'm going to ride!
This is a train I would take a lot when I was attending the university in Charlotte and heading home to Greensboro actually. In fact there was a ticket discount for all the college students who lived on campus. Just like you, there were a lot good features that I benefited from as a student. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed this convenient service I my state.
Something to mention is that the rail yard in Greensboro you pointed out is actually for the rail maintenance equipment storage. The actual Greensboro rail yard was further down the line after that.
You should also check out the Greensboro station, it’s interior is much bigger than the Charlotte or Raleigh stations. If I had known that you were going to review this route, I would’ve been happy to record your train passing by.
Anyway, thanks for this great content.
Great video! Love this train service! Beautiful station and very nice rolling stock!
I love everything this train has to offer. Best I have seen so far on your journeys across America. Even the long haul trains aren't this nice. Would love to travel on this route some time soon.
This video is extremely well done. I have taken the Piedmont from Salisbury to Raleigh several times, and your information is 100% correct. It's a wonderful route and a great experience. Nice job!
Thanks Andy!
THAT'S why they look so distinguished, they're actually pre-Amtrak cars! Absolutely amazing NCDOT chose these
Also using the train's Wi-Fi to read up _about_ the train, very nice. I did the same thing when I took the Capitol Limited to Chicago
My wife and I took this train a few times. Bring a blanket for naps. Great train.w
I live close to Charlotte and see the Piedmont go by all the time 🙋🏻♀️ I can't wait for the Gateway Station to open so I can take the train all the way into Uptown to shop & hang out, especially when there are festivals and special events. It was nice to see the trip from Raleigh to here and a very nice review of those great retro cars! Thank you!
Yeah, that you watch it go by is kinda the point.
Hello! Glad to have had you in North Carolina, and you are always welcome to come back. North Carolina's train system was what "awoke" the Rip Van Winkle State up in the mid-1800s right before the Civil War. Gov. Morehead (whose home was in Greensboro NC, and is now a museum Blandwood) is the Father of the North Carolina Railroad system. He pushed the train systems forward, realizing that the trains would help boost the North Carolina sleepy economy into overdrive. From that point forward NC has had a massive gain in our economy as opposed to how we were originally in the 13 colonies. North Carolina historically owes a great deal to the train systems.
I really like seeing those old smooth side coaches. Most cars of that type and vintage have rusted away. I’m surprised to see them.
Surely, one of the best operators in the USA!
This is operated by Amtrak though
Besides coaches from UP and KCS, there are baggage lounge cars rebuilt from US Army medical services cars.
The Kansas City Southern cars previously belonged to Chicago & North Western, then NJ Transit. The F59 units were from GO Transit in Toronto.
NCDOT bought additional cars from Ringling Bros Circus plus it's parts inventory. However, NCDOT may be slated to get some of Amtrak's new Siemens cars. The Circus cars were never rebuilt and were listed for auction sale by the state late last year, no takers.
CORRECTION: the Kansas City Southern cars were built by Pullman Standard in 1965, the last ever railroad intercity cars in the US. The UP cars were built by St Louis Car Co just before.
I dispatch this train between Raleigh and Cary 5 days a week. Glad you enjoyed your trip! 👍🏼👍🏼
Was he correct in stating Passenger trains legally have priority? I didn't think that was accurate, but know it can vary by who owns the track.
I have been waiting for you to do this video for quite a while. I'll. It's a very unique train service and I used to live in North Carolina so it makes stops in a town I used to live and I have taken it to Charlotte plenty of times. Very comfortable mostly on time and has pretty good ridership
My state! Cool trip! Unfortunately, that corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte along I40/I85 is probably on of the least aesthetically pleasing areas of this beautiful state, but you can’t have everything!
No way! I caught your train on video passing a crossing! I wish I could send it to you! Loved the video
Whoa, that was really unique! The rolling stock is peculiar but in a nice way. I really don’t know NC so I had no idea they had this service, and $27 for a 170 mile ride is pretty good.
It's the cost of a tank of gas currently, except I can transport several people, instead of just one. And I can get back on the same tank.
@@atrifle8364 that's because your gas prices are subsidized by the Feds. If it weren't, you'd rather take the train.
By the looks of the exterior, I think I'd agree that the Emerald coach is one of the formerly UP 44 seat coaches. Very comfortable ride as I recall from early Amtrak experiences. Keep up the great work. Love the videos.
Glad that you rode the Piedmont. In North Carolina, we’re hoping for expanded service to Asheville and Wilmington, and perhaps, newer rolling stock.
If what's there isn't having prohibitive maintenance or operational challenges, I'd rather see new rolling stock expand service first rather than replacing old but functional equipment.
I’m glad to see your comment regarding the coffee. When I worked Onboard Services on The AutoTrain, (October 1995-March 1997) they started replacing the brewed coffee with coffee machines in this video. I wasn’t crazy about it either. I’m not sure if they went back to brewed coffee
What a beautiful train station in Raleigh
I just discovered your channel. I live in Arizona. Between 2009 and 2013 I lived in Germany and loved taking the trains around Europe. Many wonderful memories of the trains and train stations. Went to Paris by car but I wish we had taken the train as Paris traffic was terrible :-). I really like your video's so I subscribed. I've watched 3 tonight. Bon Chance!
Note that in most American cities parking is easily available. Note that in most European cities parking is NOT easily available...
Absolutely loved this train ride! It has been added to my bucket list 👌 Many thanks!
I like the color and the print of the seats. When I worked for Amtrak, I didn’t travel (on vacation) by train much other than through the Northeast Corridor
Thank you for showing the older train coaches and rural North Carolina. 👍😀
I live in Cary myself. I used the service 2 years ago to go to the Lexington BBQ festival. They open a station in Lexington which is between the High Point and Salisbury stations on that 1 day. Speaking of Salisbury that is where Cheerwine was first produced. Thats why you saw it in the vending machines.
Watching your videos is so relaxing, especially the day trips. Looking at the peaceful countryside and enjoying coffee and snacks, is so relaxing. Great job buddy.
Another high quality video. Your work is very good.
Damn...you were in my city, Raleigh-that’s dope!😂
You should check out the NC Transport Museum in Spencer (near Salisbury). Lots of history!
I thought the Piedmont rolling stock ride like a dream when I rode it a few years ago. Better than the Amfleet coach I ride in on the Carolinian a few days before.
Great video review...Thanks for talking to us at start and end...makes a better quality video!
Very interesting addition of snack and drink vending machines on the Piedmont. Very Renfe if i may say so
Congradulation to you,so you did a great job.Best presentation my friend NC one of my favorite Area It's a quite place & calm.I already travelled to :Raleigh,Greens Boro,Greens Vil and the down town of Greens Boro
Actually snack machines on American trains aren't unique or new. Amtrak had them once between Chicago and Grand Rapids and the Southern Pacific also operated them in the 1960's. While they certainly save on labor and food costs, they do often break down.
Yes, thank you for visiting my home state!
Hi: Thank you for this trip report! I grew up near Charlotte and worked in Raleigh area but retired and started traveling and never saw the new union station in Raleigh. It was just a dream when I left town. I have traveled on the Piedmont to Charlotte and back and took my kids on a trip from Raleigh to Durham so they could experience a real train..... NOT THOMAS! PS: think about bumping your text up a bit. I have to pause the video, Close the ad which blocks the text and read and restart the video...Just a suggestion for the end user experience.
These videos always bring a smile to my face!
Wow! This is what I expect from USA. This level of comfort even better than British or Chinese trains for a short distance trip and very affordable too. Best wishes to the American People. Now please support these endeavors so that more can come as it becomes a profitable mode for transport.
Wow - what a great service! Excellent report and great editing too, can't wait for nest week!
I do love those old cars and large windows. Smol windows on a train never made any sense to me. Love that weather as well.
Very interesting train from the past. Another great tour. Thanks Mr. T.
Not a big fan of vending machine coaches, but a nice trip nonetheless. BTW, if I am not mistaken the Stae of North Carolina owns the tracks that are used by these trains and the NS freights?
NCRR owned by the state has owned those tracks since they were built at the dawn of American railroading.
This was excellent. I am taking this NC RR to Charlotte in 2 weeks to visit my husband who is working there. I am traveling from Wilmington, NC, to Cary as transportation here sucks. I would drive to Charlotte, but The Collective in Charlotte has no visitors parking. My husband lives there which I thought would be a great place. Not for visitors. Anyway, I will go to Cary and take the train. This video gave me an idea of what to expect. Thanks for doing this.
The decor is straight out of a 1990s DB InterRegio carriage!
you never say a anything once you board , but the description with the emojis speak volumes thank you
Can't wait for the new charlotte gateway station to be built. It's supposed to be really nice. It will be in the center of a newly developed "gateway district" within the city.
I think NC did a good job of buying older rolling stock. This is the charm of rail travel to me.
And a lounge car......simply wow!
Thank you for your service!
excellent coverage of a well run niche service
A lovely video - thanks. The re-purposed factory that is now Raleigh station is fantastic. The train service is obviously run by a company that really cares about its services - the great refurbushment of the passenger cars and their individual naming are just 2 indicators of this.
NCDOT and Amtrak do a really good job with this train, and I agree that individually named equipment is a great touch.
Thank you for reviewing the Carolinian. I hope you are enjoying/enjoyed your stay in Charlotte, my home town. Did you ride the light rail Blue Line and Gold Line?
A Frenchman in N Carolina...Just awesome!
I would’ve gone with the tater skins over the Doritos but that’s just me. Great video once again!
Wow, this train looks cool
Those car looked well kept
the intro sound is really nice to hear
Great vid Thibault
Used to live two blocks away from the new station in Raleigh miss it there!
I love the stainless steel look of many US trainsets!
Me too... Avoids graffiti that are on most freight cars... Taggers be damned!
When I visited there about 15 years ago, the locals called this "The Money Train", because it was the train the governor used to commute to the capitol each week.
That was a charming trip. Very nicely done!
...Old, refurbished Coaches: that ist almost endlessly possible.👌
One thing I’d like to see them do with the Piedmont in the future is upgrade the infrastructure & rolling stock to allow for faster speeds and reduced journey times.
Literally watching the construction of the new Charlotte Gateway station outside of my window. It will be in a much better location, right in uptown where it should be.
If I went to North Carolina to visit Raleigh and Charlotte, I would take the Piedmont.
Have you figured out what you'd do at either end?
Yes…and if Amtrak would have dedicated rail vs depending on freight-they would not have to wait as well as new tracks to allow increased speeds and safer traveling!!!
Unfortunately the US government hasn't nationalized the railroads like other nations worldwide. Most of the tracks are owned by the large freight railroads, some with their largest shareholders being Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. The dispatchers know who butters their bread, and it isn't Amtrak...
I remember the old Raleigh train station that had no city bus service and was cramped and old.
I live in Greensboro. The rail yard you were referring to belonged to the Atlantic & Yadkin railroad before it merged with Southern railroad. Since then all freight operations originate at Pomona yard for Greensboro
So I'm sure this has been mentioned already, but the state of North Carolina owns the rails that the Piedmont service runs on. They own the NC Line (Greensboro to Raleigh and further east) and they own the portion of the Southern Railway main from Charlotte to Greensboro. The money from the lease to Norfolk Southern pays for the Piedmont service.
Did a great job on this one
Great video !!
I am of the Piedmont of Italy; a region with the same name!
Great vídeo, as usual. Ok about US coffee traste, It happens in Mexico too, argh. Keep doing nice vídeos. Merci, mon ami.
What a great train, living history! (I'd have gotten the Potato Skins, tho!🤷🏻♂️BTW, I noticed a can of Cheerwine soda in the vending machine - that's a delicious soda that's made in North Carolina.) Thanks, as always, for another great video and another great route I must try!
Amo tus vídeos felicitaciones!!!!! desde Bs As Argentina