Charlotte region transit plan took a long road to approval

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

The Metropolitan Transit Commission's May 28 approved a proposal to prioritize a 50% increase in bus service and addition of 43 miles of new rail service positions the plan for a 1-cent sales tax referendum in November.

Mecklenburg County’s transit plan is a step closer to going before voters for their support.

The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted May 28 to adopt a proposal that prioritizes a 50% increase in bus service along with a 43 miles of new rail service along rapid transit corridors. The plan was developed after five months of public input across Mecklenburg, followed by CATS’ April recommendation to the transit commission for a vote.

Charlotte leaders have long called for greater investment in transit to improve economic mobility along with backing a 1-cent mobility sales tax referendum. 

According to the National Campaign for Transit Justice, 60% of public transit riders in the United States are people of color, with Black people making up 25%, followed by Hispanics at 20%. 
Those rates align with the percentage of households that lack personal transportation, including 18% of Black people, 13% of indigenous Americans and 11% of Hispanics.

“Through our surveys, 93% of participants indicated that more transit options are needed in Mecklenburg County and the time to act is now,” CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle said in a statement. “They also highlighted the need for increased frequency and connections to jobs, housing, education and daily destinations.”  

A pair of Mecklenburg Republicans – State Sen. Vicki Sawyer and Rep. Tricia Cotham – previously introduced bills that would put a sales tax referendum on November’s municipal ballot. To advance, legislation requires approval from both chambers of the General Assembly.

Under the MTC plan, the bus system would add:

• Stops that can be accessed by additional 450,000 people

• 2,000 new shelters, benches, and waiting pads

• Micro transit zones consisting of 18 new hubs across Mecklenburg

• 89 new buses

Rail system expansion would include:

• 12 miles for light rail, with 10 miles for Silver Line from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium and 2 miles for the Blue Line extension from I-485/South Boulevard to Carolina Place Mall in Pineville;

• Six miles for the Gold Line extension, which stretches from Eastland in east Charlotte to Rosa Parks Place in the west;

• 25 miles for the Red Line commuter rail from Center City to south Iredell County;

• Future light rail extensions for Silver Line west to I-485 and east to Matthews and Blue Line to Ballantyne if funding allows, with upgraded bus service in the interim

“[The] vote by the Metropolitan Transit Commission to adopt a unified transit system plan is an important milestone in our shared vision for the future of mobility in Mecklenburg County,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, the MTC’s chair. “This plan reflects years of collaboration, community input, and a deep commitment to building a more connected, accessible, and sustainable region for generations to come. “This plan reflects years of collaboration, community input, and a deep commitment to building a more connected, prosperous, accessible, and sustainable region for generations to come. This is an important step to executing the vision we’ve worked so hard to shape and will serve residents across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The future of our transit system is not just about buses, micro transit and rail lines – it’s about connecting our communities, creating economic opportunity, and helping everyone who lives in our community have a better quality of life.” 

Prioritizing the Better Bus plan is a key component of the initiative, and most of the program will be implemented in 5-10 years should voters approve a 1-cent sales tax for transit upgrades. 
The phased implementation of rail through the Rapid Transit Corridor System includes commuter and light rail as well as streetcar projects. 

Shannon Binns, executive director of Sustain Charlotte, praised the plan as an economic vehicle that will expand access to jobs as well as boost sustainability by reducing air pollution and lower carbon emissions. It also improves options in historically underserved lower income neighborhoods.

“This plan is truly a win-win for our entire community,” he said in a statement. “It brings immediate improvements for today’s riders while preparing us for the demands of tomorrow. It’s a plan that listens to the public, reflects our shared values, and gives all Mecklenburg County residents better, safer, and more affordable ways to get around. There are no losers here—only winners.”

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