CATS board approves transit plan with expanded rail service, ‘better bus' program

Yahoo

4 days ago

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Local leaders voted Wednesday to adopt the updated mass transit plan around Mecklenburg County that includes expanded rail and an innovative bus system.
Members of the Metropolitan Transit Commission, which governs the Charlotte Area Transit System, approved the plan, with only Matthews Mayor John Higdon in opposition. The plan provides a 50% increase in bus service and 43 more miles of rail services.
Officials detail plans to improve Mecklenburg County bus stops, but they need a one-cent sales tax to do it
The updated plan includes the prioritization of the Better Bus program, inclusive of recently launched microtransit, along with phased implementation of the rapid transit corridors.
'This bus program is not the one you know,' Mecklenburg County Commissioner Leigh Altman said. 'This bus program will expand service to 450,000 residents across the county. It really is pretty amazing compared to what we have now. This is just a tremendous difference.'
The funding for the plan is contingent on a county-wide 1-cent sales tax increase. State legislation is in the works for a referendum to be placed on the ballot in November. The decision to approve this plan comes after nearly half a year of extensive public engagement with stakeholders, residents and riders across Mecklenburg County.
The Rapid Transit Corridor System plan includes:
Red Line commuter rail from Charlotte Gateway Station to Mount Mourne.
Silver Line light rail from the airport to Bojangles Coliseum.
Gold Line streetcar extension from Rosa Parks Place to Eastland Transit Center.
Blue Line light rail extension from South Boulevard at I-485 to Carolina Place Mall.
The plan references proposed future extensions for Silver Line west to I-485 and east to Matthews, and Blue Line to Ballantyne, as funding allows. Those routes would have enhanced bus in the interim.
'We have to think about the growth we have, the economic opportunities and new jobs all this can create and the safety we can have because of this,' Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. 'I know it's been terribly long time since we've had the ability to start thinking about this. But at the end of the day, we will figure this out in a way that makes sure every person inside Mecklenburg County feels like they've gained something as a result of a one-cent sales tax. It's absolutely essential to bring forward all the people we know are asked to support this program.'
Higdon has been vocal about Silver Line not extending through east Charlotte and into Matthews, since those plans were altered last spring. In addition to saying his town 'is getting the shaft,' he's noted that the economic impacts of bus service pale in comparison to those with light rail, like seen along the Blue Line.
'Despite my multiple pleadings to their MTC for over a year, there have been zero attempts made to compromise with Matthews in anyway whatsoever on the plan,' he said. 'Under this plan light rail passengers will need to travel 7 miles outside of town to access the closest station.'
CATS says most of the bus program will be implemented in the next five to 10 years. Riders can expect to see improved amenities, better frequency and additional microtransit zones within that period.
'This significantly different, game-changing bus service can be implemented … it really is an entirely different kind of service that would give immediate relief to residents who don't have ability to get from point A to point B and want to get our of their cars.'
Davidson town leaders have said that the best-case scenario for the Red Line to completed is eight to 10 years. However, developers are already planning for stations in the north Mecklenburg area.
The proposed sales-tax referendum also would dismantle the MTC, creating a new transit authority that includes state and local representation.
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