The Carolina Panthers final regular season game on Jan 3 was changed to a later time. NC has scheduled an extra train to Raleigh leaving after the game is over. It is nice that NC DOT has the extra equipment to operate this train. Its too bad congress cannot see the merits of such equipment surge fleets.
https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=11572
I assume the Panthers have been selling out the stadium for most/all games this year. Is it routine that an extra is scheduled post game, or was this a new inovation? Regardless, NC should be commended for taking the initiative.
It is difficult to conceive of Amtrak being nearly so nimble.
As far as I know, this is the first time they've scheduled an additional train for a game.
Panthers fans helped set a daily ridership record for the Piedmont service on Sunday, November 8th.
This Monday Morning Quarterback article from Sports Illustrated discusses Panthers fans on the Piedmont. Scroll down to the section titled "Mr. Starwood Preferred Member Travel Note of the Week".
Things will really take off once the Amtrak station gets moved to uptown and is within walking distance of the stadium.
1. Panthers 38-Tampa Bay 10
2. Let's give credit where it's due. While I am sure that NCDOT requested the special (My guess is the Mr. Allen Paul deserves the credit) you can't ignore Amtrak's role as they provide the crews for these trains, nor NS who was willing to shoehorn the special into their slots on this busy stretch of track on short notice. Finally to the Raleigh based members of the NC Train Host Association who also staffed the trains, and assisted the crew.
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