State-sponsored North Carolina's Amtrak will celebrate National Train Day on Saturday, May 9, by holding open houses at train stations from Charlotte to Fayetteville. The events will help raise awareness of North Carolina's passenger rail service by encouraging citizens to visit their nearest train station for schedule and trip planning information.

"With Piedmont ridership up more nearly 15 percent over this time last year, citizens continue to find that riding the train is a safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation option," said Pat Simmons, rail director for the N.C. Department of Transportation. "Our open houses will give people considering train travel an opportunity to become familiar with the benefits of riding the train in North Carolina."

Perspective passengers are encouraged to find out where their North Carolina trains can take them by visiting open houses at stations along the corridor including Raleigh, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis, Charlotte, Selma, Wilson, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville. A list of station locations and hours is attached. Would-be train travelers can pick up train schedules, trip planning information and have their train travel questions answered by staff. They will also receive free train giveaways and a commemorative National Train Day poster. Visitors at Burlington, High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis and Selma can also register to win train tickets for travel within North Carolina.

North Carolina's National Train Day celebration is part of the day-long festivities going on across the country to raise awareness of the vital role rail plays in the nation's transportation system. The May date was chosen as National Train Day to recognize the anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869, which connected the east and west coast by rail for the first time.

The Piedmont and Carolinian trains are sponsored by NCDOT and paid for through state funding, Amtrak and passenger fares. North Carolina's Amtrak fleet of two trains provides daily service to Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, nine other North Carolina cities, and to the Northeast. Complete schedule and train information is available at bytrain.org. Reservations are required. Travelers should book early for best fares. Tickets can be purchased at ticket windows, automated ticket kiosks at all stations, except Cary or online at Amtrak.com.