CAPT Members and Friends:

2024 has been a pivotal planning year for the Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains.

First, we have focused on producing a monthly newsletter - FROM THE CAB - which, judging by members' favorable comments, has been both entertaining and informational. We hope that our members will not only read the contents, but also contribute articles and photos to make it even better.

Second, we have also recognized that, for CAPT to be a stronger advocacy organization for passenger rail improvements in the Carolinas and gain the respect of the two Departments of Transpotation, we need to encourage more residents to become CAPT members. Sadly, several of the 27 NC/SC Amtrak station cities have no resident members at all. So, starting in January, we will roll out "Membership Drive 25" with a goal of having one or more members in each station city.

Third, we felt that the organization needed a "catchier" name that will appeal to residents of all ages, so starting in 2025, CAPT's "dba" (doing business as) name will be All Aboard Carolinas. A revamped website will be part of this change, including a portal whereby members can sign in to receive for-members-only information. But CAPT will still exist as the legal non-profit organization.

Fourth, we are going to canvas transportation planning and operating organizations in both states to become Affiliate Members (non-voting), with whom we can build meaningful cooperative relationships for the furtherment of passenger rail and connecting transportation services to make train travel more accessible to all areas of each state.

If you have been a member in 2024, we trust that you will renew your membership in 2025, despite the modest dues increase. We do plan to provide you with more information during 2025, which we will gradually reveal through the pages of the monthly newsletter, FROM THE CAB. Always feel free to share your copy of the newsletter with a friend or family member who is interested in seeing more scheduled passenger rail services in either North Carolina or South Carolina. Maybe they will be sufficiently interested in what CAPT is doing to become a member.

When you renew, or become a new member, we are asking for a few more details than last year, such as your "base Amtrak Station," if you have one. Knowing this not only helps us gauge our geographic representation, but also enables us to let elected officials and legislators know our number of members and their distribution within (and occasionally outside of) the two states.

So please renew your membership as soon as possible by mail or online. Thank you!

Ralph S. Messera
CAPT Treasurer
401 S. Freemont Street
Matthews, NC 28105

The Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains (CAPT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all dues and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All officers and board members are unpaid volunteers.