Charlotte, NC — Streetcar Study Moves Forward

Rail Transit Online – June 2009

The Charlotte city council has tentatively voted 7-4 to continue an $8-million engineering study of a 10-mi. (16.1 km) streetcar project that would connect the Rosa Parks Transit Center in the central business district with Eastland Mall. The decision was made strictly along party lines, with the council's four Republicans casting "no" ballots because funding for the $373-million scheme has not yet been identified.

But Democrats pointed out that the study, which will provide a more accurate cost estimate for the line, would have to be completed before the city could seek federal grants. The proposed route would be built in two phases along Beatties Ford Road, Trade Street and Central Avenue.

www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS