Start Date

12-4-2024 2:00 PM

Location

CASB 105

Document Type

Presentation

Abstract

This research paper is an in-depth analysis of the high-speed passenger rail line proposed between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and its impact on the economy, infrastructure, and future development of the Upstate of South Carolina. Currently, passenger rail service between Charlotte and Atlanta is offered on Amtrak at late hours throughout the night on its long-distance passenger rail line The Crescent from New York City, NY to New Orleans, LA. The train is often delayed and is operating at a deficit for Amtrak, like most of their long-distance routes. Traffic on Interstate 85 through the Upstate is another issue that plagues travelers from Charlotte to Atlanta, and although the infrastructure is being upgraded, it will not suffice the demand that exists. There is great need for an alternative mode of transportation, which is the proposed high-speed rail line. The United States Department of Transportation has approved funding to conduct a feasibility study for the rail line, and public support is being garnered. There is strong support from the state of North Carolina into passenger rail, with funding and growth being shown in the state-supported Piedmont passenger train between Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. Historically, there has been little support for passenger rail, or rail in general, from South Carolina and Georgia. There are three proposed alignments for the line, with all three of them serving various spots in the Upstate. A thorough analysis of the economic impact of the rail line will be conducted, using the Brightline high-speed passenger rail line in central and south Florida as a case study. Looking at the concept of transit-oriented development (TOD), an analysis into the development that would follow a high-speed rail line in the Upstate will also be considered. The infrastructure required and perspectives from potential stakeholders, such as a private company that has invested in rail in the past like the Fortress Investments group with Brightline should additionally be considered. Implications from governmental policies, interstate cooperation between the three states involved, federal funding opportunities, and environmental impacts will be considered in this analysis as well. A conclusion and recommendations will finish this analysis, summarizing the findings of the research, the case study, and a recommendation for policymakers in South Carolina to invest in passenger rail infrastructure. Next steps: getting agencies, officials, and groups involved; and addressing any lingering concerns will be the final deliverable from this study.

Keywords

High-speed passenger rail, Charlotte, Atlanta, economy, infrastructure, development, Upstate of South Carolina, Amtrak, Interstate 85, feasibility study, United States Department of Transportation, North Carolina, Piedmont passenger train, transit-oriented development (TOD), Brightline, Florida, governmental policies, interstate cooperation, federal funding, environmental impacts, policymakers, agencies, officials, groups

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Apr 12th, 2:00 PM

Proposed Charlotte to Atlanta High-Speed Passenger Rail Line: An Economic, Infrastructural, and Developmental Analysis in the Upstate of South Carolina

CASB 105

This research paper is an in-depth analysis of the high-speed passenger rail line proposed between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and its impact on the economy, infrastructure, and future development of the Upstate of South Carolina. Currently, passenger rail service between Charlotte and Atlanta is offered on Amtrak at late hours throughout the night on its long-distance passenger rail line The Crescent from New York City, NY to New Orleans, LA. The train is often delayed and is operating at a deficit for Amtrak, like most of their long-distance routes. Traffic on Interstate 85 through the Upstate is another issue that plagues travelers from Charlotte to Atlanta, and although the infrastructure is being upgraded, it will not suffice the demand that exists. There is great need for an alternative mode of transportation, which is the proposed high-speed rail line. The United States Department of Transportation has approved funding to conduct a feasibility study for the rail line, and public support is being garnered. There is strong support from the state of North Carolina into passenger rail, with funding and growth being shown in the state-supported Piedmont passenger train between Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. Historically, there has been little support for passenger rail, or rail in general, from South Carolina and Georgia. There are three proposed alignments for the line, with all three of them serving various spots in the Upstate. A thorough analysis of the economic impact of the rail line will be conducted, using the Brightline high-speed passenger rail line in central and south Florida as a case study. Looking at the concept of transit-oriented development (TOD), an analysis into the development that would follow a high-speed rail line in the Upstate will also be considered. The infrastructure required and perspectives from potential stakeholders, such as a private company that has invested in rail in the past like the Fortress Investments group with Brightline should additionally be considered. Implications from governmental policies, interstate cooperation between the three states involved, federal funding opportunities, and environmental impacts will be considered in this analysis as well. A conclusion and recommendations will finish this analysis, summarizing the findings of the research, the case study, and a recommendation for policymakers in South Carolina to invest in passenger rail infrastructure. Next steps: getting agencies, officials, and groups involved; and addressing any lingering concerns will be the final deliverable from this study.