Officials Eye Faster Atlanta, N. Carolina Rail Link

Transportation officials are considering the development of rapid passenger rail service linking Charlotte and Atlanta.

A federal study released this month found that officials could realistically develop service that travels between 90 and 110 mph without needing major changes to the existing rail corridor.

The Charlotte Observer reported that Amtrak service on the route currently has a top speed of 79 mph and takes more than five hours to make a trip that takes less than four hours in a car.

The study assumed there would be as many as nine stops between Charlotte and Atlanta as it crosses through South Carolina.

Officials in the three states are now preparing to conduct a more detailed study to assess ridership and costs.
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Information from: The Charlotte Observer,
http://www.charlotte.com

(AP)