Charlotte, NC — Streetcar Planning

Rail Transit Online – December 2004

The Charlotte Area Transit System has selected URS Corporation and a team of consultants to create the conceptual design of a modern electric streetcar line for the city.  The 10-mi. (16.1 km) route, part of CATS’ long-range 2025 Transit Plan, would run along Beatties Ford Road near I-85, through Center City along Trade Street, then up Elizabeth Avenue and on to Central Avenue at Eastland Mall.  “CATS’ proposed streetcar line travels along the two busiest bus routes in the system, Route 7 Beatties Ford and Route 9 Central Avenue, that carried over 2.2 million passengers in 2004,” said Willie Noble, CATS’ Senior Project Manager.  “Not only can a streetcar system save operational expenses, but it can move more people through the city at one time.”  The line would serve a number of major traffic generators including Central Piedmont Community College, the regional government center, two sports venues and a performing arts center.  The project also includes two extensions totaling four to six miles (6.4 km to 9.6 km) and a feasibility analysis to explore possible expansion within Center City.  As lead consultant, URS will be responsible for resolving environmental issues, planning, urban design and engineering design.  The initial Trade Street segment is expected to be operational by 2009.