RailNews

NCDOT, Amtrak to Provide Passenger Service to U.S. Open

Trains will travel over the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway to the U.S. Open golf tournament in mid-June. Photo Courtesy of Aberdeen Carolina & Western.

NCDOT, Amtrak to Provide Passenger Service to U.S. Open

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The North Carolina Department of Transportation and Amtrak will provide passenger service over the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway for the U.S. Open golf tournament in Pinehurst, N.C. The “Open Express” train will run daily between Raleigh Union Station and the Pinehurst Clubhouse near the Pinehurst No. 2 golf course from June 13-16, when championship play is scheduled for the U.S. Open. 

“We’re thrilled to work with so many partners including Amtrak, Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway and the U.S. Golf Association to be able to offer this special trip experience,” said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Special trains and stops like this provide the opportunity to avoid potential traffic and parking issues at large events and also show people everything that’s possible when we improve and expand our intercity passenger rail.”

The morning train will depart Raleigh Union Station at 7 a.m. and Cary at 7:15 a.m. and arrive in Pinehurst at approximately 9:10 a.m. The evening train will depart from the Pinehurst Clubhouse at 6:35 p.m. and arrive in Cary at about 8:30 p.m. and Raleigh Union Station about 15 minutes later.

The “Open Express” train tickets are available for purchase now on Amtrak.com. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis and seating is limited.

“Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is proud to help the state of North Carolina provide such convenient passenger train travel for tournament attendees,” said Robert Menzies, founder and owner of Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway. “This can make the 30,000-40,000 daily visitors realize the conveniences of passenger rail travel in North Carolina and make the USGA’s Tournament a great worldwide event.”

This article was posted on: June 4, 2024