Asheville passenger rail could bring $1B economic boost

New Amtrak corridor would link Asheville to Charlotte, Triad, and Triangle

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Asheville could regain passenger rail service to Salisbury for the first time in 50 years, with a new study projecting more than $1 billion in one-time economic impact and hundreds of jobs. The proposed Amtrak corridor, still years and significant funding away, would link Asheville to Charlotte, the Triad, and the Triangle, boosting tourism, local tax revenues, and daily travel options for Western North Carolina residents.

Why it matters

The return of passenger rail to Asheville would provide a major economic boost to the region, improving transportation connectivity and access to jobs, education, and tourism opportunities. It could also help address affordability challenges by expanding mobility options for residents.

The details

The proposed Amtrak corridor would connect Asheville to major population and economic hubs in North Carolina, allowing for easier travel and commuting. The project is still years away from becoming a reality and requires significant funding, but a new study projects it could generate over $1 billion in one-time economic impact and create hundreds of new jobs.

  • The proposed Amtrak corridor is still years and significant funding away from becoming a reality.

The players

Asheville

The city of Asheville, North Carolina, which could regain passenger rail service to Salisbury for the first time in 50 years.

Amtrak

The national passenger railroad service that would operate the proposed corridor linking Asheville to Charlotte, the Triad, and the Triangle.

Western North Carolina residents

The residents of Western North Carolina who would benefit from improved transportation connectivity and access to jobs, education, and tourism opportunities.

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The takeaway

The potential return of passenger rail to Asheville represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, but the project still faces significant hurdles in terms of funding and timeline. If realized, it could transform transportation and access for Western North Carolina residents.