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SB 520

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2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Altschiller and 3 co-sponsors

NCDOT must study the cost, viability, ridership, and phased plan for Piedmont Triad commuter rail, with outputs guiding future action and funding decisions.

Lay SB520 on Table (Rep. Mazur): MA RC 193-150 05/07/2026 HJ 12
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Bill Summary · SB 520

Summary — SB 520: Commuter Rail Study — Piedmont Triad

Status: Introduced (2023 session). Bill requires a directed study by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Main purpose

Direct NCDOT to study the cost, feasibility, and potential economic benefits of establishing commuter rail service linking dense population centers in the North Carolina Piedmont Triad (primarily Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, and High Point). The study is intended to inform planning and potential future construction and operations decisions.

Key provisions

  • Requires NCDOT to conduct a comprehensive commuter‑rail feasibility study that:
    • Incorporates population and development growth projections through year 2050.
    • Includes a phased construction plan prioritizing highest‑ridership routes first.
    • Analyzes possible early‑phase routes connecting Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, and High Point.
    • Produces daily ridership estimates.
    • Estimates projected annual operating costs.
    • Estimates costs of acquiring land and rights to use any existing rail capacity.
    • Recommends whether and how to create an entity to manage and maintain the rail service.
  • Reporting: NCDOT must report study results and any recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Transportation and to the Fiscal Research Division.
  • Deadline: Report due no later than December 29, 2024.
  • Funding: Authorizes up to $100,000 in nonrecurring funds from the Highway Fund (2023–24 fiscal year) for NCDOT to use on the study.
  • Sunset: The act becomes effective July 1, 2023 and expires December 29, 2024 (i.e., it is a time‑limited study mandate).

Who would be affected

  • Geographic focus: Piedmont Triad communities and counties — notably the cities of Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, High Point and surrounding jurisdictions (e.g., Guilford and Forsyth counties).
  • State agencies: NCDOT (lead), and legislative oversight bodies receiving the report (Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Transportation; Fiscal Research Division).
  • Local governments, transit agencies, rail owners/operators, and communities that could be affected by future project recommendations (land acquisition, service operations, economic development).

Potential impact and next steps

  • The study will produce technical and financial information (ridership, capital and operating cost estimates, land/right‑of‑way needs) needed to determine whether to advance planning, secure funding, design phased implementation, or create a managing entity.
  • If the study recommends moving forward, additional legislative or budgetary action would be required to fund design, right‑of‑way acquisition, capital construction, and operations.
  • Because the bill funds and requires only the study (time‑limited), it does not authorize construction or appropriate capital funds beyond the study allocation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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