2024 US Open Service - Pinehurst, SC over the ACWR Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway

[Jeff Smith]

Service from Raleigh: ThePilot.com

So apparently a plan is afoot to bring "corporate trains" to Pinehurst:

Work Continues on Tracks Next to Resort Course
...
Last fall, ACWR shared it was adding two sidings, or short railway tracks, between N.C. 5 and The Cradle to bring corporate trains to the area to enjoy the 2024 U.S. Open and local events.

ACWR President Jennifer White said in an email the work is on track to be done before the golf championship begins in June.

“We are working closely with Amtrak and NCDOT to bring a train from Raleigh to Pinehurst daily on tournament days of the U.S. Open,” White said. “This will be very convenient for people staying in Raleigh as they will avoid having to drive down, park, wait for buses, etc. We hope this will alleviate some traffic off the local roads.
...

[Railjunkie]

Service from Raleigh: ThePilot.com

So apparently a plan is afoot to bring "corporate trains" to Pinehurst:

Work Continues on Tracks Next to Resort Course
...
Last fall, ACWR shared it was adding two sidings, or short railway tracks, between N.C. 5 and The Cradle to bring corporate trains to the area to enjoy the 2024 U.S. Open and local events.

ACWR President Jennifer White said in an email the work is on track to be done before the golf championship begins in June.

“We are working closely with Amtrak and NCDOT to bring a train from Raleigh to Pinehurst daily on tournament days of the U.S. Open,” White said. “This will be very convenient for people staying in Raleigh as they will avoid having to drive down, park, wait for buses, etc. We hope this will alleviate some traffic off the local roads.
...

The gentleman who owns this railroad has some of the nicest varnish I have seen and is a really nice guy. He loves his golf too.

[John_Perkowski]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 2074387884

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[John_Perkowski]

Topic edited by an Admin.

[dowlingm]

What sort of platforms are required to be constructed for this- 8in and mini highs, or full length 48 inch?

[RandallW]

NC seems fine allowing temporary or permanent but infrequently used (such as at the NC State Fair or Lexington BBQ Festival stations) to be uniformly low level platforms. I'd think low level (8" or even track level with a lift would be the most likely platform, especially if corporate specials with who-knows-what kind of equipment in terms of door positions or vestibules are likely to be there.

Worst case is the corporate charters get to use stepping stools onto gravel and the daily service drops passengers in Southern Pines and busses take them the rest of the way.

[Tadman]

ACWR is a private railroad and I believe any passenger trains involved here are private charters. Not sure how much platform regs apply if there is no public service or ownership.

[RandallW]

Most ADA enforcement is through lawsuits filed against privately run businesses by private citizens improperly denied reasonable accommodation for their disability because the ADA applies to all organizations, private and public doing business with the general public. So yes, any platforms the railroad builds need to be accessible if a member of the general public can purchase a ticket to get that to that platform (the ACWR is proposing to run a daily train from Raleigh which I presume they will be selling tickets for).

All that said, the ADA does have specific exemptions based on the age of the railcar, so the train may not be accessible, but the platform will need to be.

[orulz]

Turns out this is not just for corporate trains and PV; you can now literally book a trip from RGH (Raleigh) or CYN (Cary) to Pinehurst (PIH) on amtrak.com during the Open.

https://www.amtrak.com/usopen

The wheels have been turning to make this plan happen for some time now.

Any insight as to what equipment will be used?

[RandallW]

https://www.amtrak.com/usopen

That link answers the ADA question: the new platform has lifts and the cars are accessible.

Any insight as to what equipment will be used?

I think NCDOT can use equipment from the Piedmont equipment pool, but don't know that equipment will be used.

[SRich]

$25 is not expensive for an 2 hour journey

[JimBoylan]

Right now, Amtrak doesn't offer connecting tickets. The only origins at Amtrak.com for Pinehurst are Raleigh, Cary, and Southern Pines.

[RandallW]

Given that train's schedule what connecting ticket would Amtrak offer? There is no possible connection to that train that does not involve an overnight hotel stay in any of those cities.

[Anthony]

They need to do something similar to this with the Masters Tournament held in Augusta, GA every year.

[Jeff Smith]

https://media.amtrak.com/2024/05/ncdot- ... pinehurst/

NCDOT Announces Special Train in June from Raleigh to the U.S. Open in Pinehurst

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division announced that NC By Train, the state’s passenger rail service, will run a special train from Raleigh to this year’s U.S. Open in Pinehurst.

“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 “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. The practice rounds for the golf tourney are June 10-12.

“We are delighted to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other partners to offer this unique transportation option to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “This is an exciting, historic event and we welcome this opportunity to give golf fans an enjoyable, stress-free way to travel to and from Pinehurst with their friends and families.”

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. Tickets must be bought in advance of travel. When purchasing online, type or select “Pinehurst NC” for your destination and return trip. Food and beverages will be available to purchase on board. Visit Amtrak.com for ticket prices and more information.

Customers will access the championship rounds through Gate 10 adjacent to the Pinehurst Clubhouse, which is just a short walk from the Pinehurst No. 2 course.

“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.”

Taking NC By Train is an environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation choice that helps reduce congestion on the state’s highway system. Visit NC By Train for more information, to plan a trip, see available everyday discounts and buy tickets.