A Transformative Year for Passenger Rail: SEPRI's 2024 Milestones

As 2024 draws to a close, the Southeastern Passenger Rail Initiative (SEPRI) is proud to reflect on a year marked by extraordinary progress in advancing passenger rail across the Southeast and beyond. This year, we witnessed transformative developments that underscore the growing demand for sustainable transportation and highlight the potential of rail to reshape regional connectivity.  

One of the most remarkable achievements of the year has been record-breaking ridership on passenger rail services throughout the Southeast. Every Southeastern service saw an increase in ridership, showcasing the growing popularity of rail travel. Awe-inspiring was North Carolina’s Piedmont service, which recorded a 25% surge in passengers, further solidifying its role as a vital link for regional commuters and travelers. These unprecedented numbers underscore a regional shift toward rail as a reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation option.  

Several states made remarkable progress in developing new state-supported routes, including Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. These projects are gaining traction, bringing the vision of expanded rail connectivity closer to reality. Complementing these efforts is the construction of new stations to support future services. In Virginia and North Carolina, stations for the high-speed rail connection between the two states are already underway. Meanwhile, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are building infrastructure for the much-anticipated Gulf Coast service, signaling a new era of accessibility for communities along the coast.  

Beyond the Southeast, the ripple effects of passenger rail expansion are being felt nationwide. Brightline’s continued success in Florida is a standout example. This year, Brightline opened its higher-speed route to Orlando, which has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from travelers. Building on this momentum, plans for the next phase to Tampa are well underway, with new stations in Cocoa Beach and Fort Pierce set to enhance connectivity along Florida’s east coast.  

On a broader scale, the long-dormant Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project has been revitalized through a groundbreaking partnership between Amtrak and Texas Central Railway. This collaboration not only breathes new life into a crucial corridor but also includes plans to extend service to Fort Worth, further enriching rail options in Texas.  

SEPRI itself has had a banner year. Our work advocating for passenger rail has put us in the spotlight, sparking meaningful discussions about route extensions and rail transportation's economic and environmental benefits. These conversations have bolstered regional support for rail and drawn new members to our organization. In fact, SEPRI's membership has grown by over 30% this year, an encouraging sign of the enthusiasm for passenger rail's future in the Southeast.  

Looking Ahead to 2025  

As we move into 2025, the momentum continues. New equipment from Siemens is set to hit the rails, promising modern, comfortable, and efficient trains to enhance the passenger experience. We are also anticipating service expansions across the Southeast, which will connect even more communities to the benefits of passenger rail.  

Advocacy will remain a cornerstone of SEPRI’s mission in the coming year. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote the expansion of passenger rail and demonstrate its vital role in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional connectivity. But we cannot do this alone.  

We need everyone’s help—community members, policymakers, and supporters—to ensure the continued success of passenger rail in the Southeast. Whether by joining SEPRI, supporting our advocacy efforts, or simply spreading the word about the benefits of rail, your involvement is critical to achieving our shared vision.  

SEPRI is deeply grateful to our members, partners, and advocates who have supported us throughout this incredible year. Together, we are making the vision of robust passenger rail in the Southeast a reality. Here’s to continuing this journey in the year ahead and beyond.