Charlotte NC Light Rail Is a HUGE Success!
Connectivity is key (hence the name, LYNX) in getting the city's south end into the city during rush hours. The Charlotte NC light rail is a huge success! In keeping with Charlotte's cat theme (Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, CATS [Charlotte Area Transit System]), our new light rail, LYNX, has become our new favorite means of transportation in the city!
In November, 2007, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) began operation of the 9.6-mile LYNX Blue Line light rail, after having been under construction since February, 2005. The LYNX fleet includes sixteen Avanto light rail cars built by Siemens. The line extends from Uptown Charlotte southward to Pineville and runs almost parallel to I-77. Previously used by the Charlotte Trolley, a heritage streetcar operation that also runs in tandem service with the LYNX trains.
Recently, the city has been dealing with complaints that there is not enough space in the 'Park and Ride' lots in the proximal areas of the line. What a testimonial for the city's use of this wonderful new system for our City--Charlotteans ARE riding and loving every minute of it! We've seen and heard of several people leaving the same location at the same time and those taking the train arrive earlier, refreshed and having even completed a little work on their laptop along the way! Those driving were more 'stressed' from the traffic (and probably the knowledge that they were losing the race!) and said that they wished that they could have completed a little work while sitting in traffic.
As of July, 2008 the LYNX system provides service to 15 stations between uptown Charlotte and I-485 at South Blvd. Many of the bus routes are timed to connect with the trains at the Blue Line stations, making it accessible to work, to shopping or wherever you need to be!
This model is patterned by those in Houston, Texas, and has also been ordered by the city of Portland, Oregon. Charlotteans have enthusiastically embraced the light rail after much ado about county expenditures to build the system. This was demonstrated by the opening month’s records of carrying over 9,000 passenger trips per day. CATS projects over 18,000 passenger riders by the year 2025. Visit Charlotte Center City Partners website for a LYNX interactive map. Photo by Jon Bell
Real estate surrounding the light rail stations has shown a boost in sales prices, contributing, once again, to Charlotte’s smart plans to maintain economic stability. Rush hour traffic and major sporting events in the Uptown area as well as concerts and other functions at the arena, are contributory to our much needed new light rail as well as its early success.
Photo by Todd Sumlin
The LYNX line shares its track with the Charlotte Trolley from the Atherton Mill station to the 7th Street station. The 9.6 mile opening phase is planned to expand to reach 36th Street by 2013 and I-485 at UNCC by 2018. With 14 stations planned, the corridor will be 14 miles long by 2018. Come ride the light rail and check out our beautiful city with me--we'll take a tour of some of our gorgeous homes while you're here!
Copyright © 2008 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved.. *Charlotte NC Light Rail is a HUGE Success*
Charlotte Real Estate and Relocation Specialist
Debe Maxwell offers many years of experience helping those relocating to the Charlotte area as well as providing an aggressive marketing strategy for homes for sale in Charlotte. If you're relocating to Charlotte, Debe will help you locate the perfect Charlotte neighborhood first, then locate the perfect home for sale which fits your lifestyle and your budget to at 't.'
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