Charlotte: CATS reveals transit plan updates -- and there's hope for a train to airport

There’s hope for a portion of the Silver Line to move forward as Charlotte finalizes the plan it wants to put before legislators and voters.

The Charlotte Area Transit System can’t pay for everything currently included in its transit plan under the spending breakdown in the General Assembly’s hands, CATS leadership confirmed Wednesday. Some new options could still build a train to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, but much of the eastern leg of the Silver Line appears out of the question.

CATS’ presentation to the Metropolitan Transit Commission laid out four scenarios affordable under draft legislation for a sales tax referendum approved by Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and most Mecklenburg towns last year.

Most call for all or some of the Silver Line to be converted to bus rapid transit — running buses in dedicated lanes with traffic signal priority, elevated platforms and enhanced stations. Others stick to light rail but shorten the Silver Line with the hope that future funding could pay for extensions. The scenarios also include changes to the planned Blue Line extensions into Pineville and Ballantyne. ....................(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/55262860/nc-cats-reveals-transit-plan-updates-and-theres-hope-for-a-train-to-clt-airport