Charlotte, NC — City Will Request Streetcar Grant

Rail Transit Online – February 2010

Charlotte City Council has voted 7-4 to seek a $25-million federal grant for the first 1.5-mi. (2.41 km) segment of a proposed streetcar line from Interstate 85 and Beatties Ford Road to Eastland Mall. The starter section would run south on Trade Street from the Charlotte Transportation Center to Presbyterian Hospital, incorporating about a half-mile (0.8 km) of track already in place on Elizabeth Avenue.

There would a connection to the Lynx light rail line, allowing streetcars to access
the maintenance facility. If received, federal funding would cover about two-thirds of the cost, which doesn't include any new cars; the three Gomaco Birney replica streetcars used by the volunteer Charlotte Trolley for heritage service through the South End could suffice.

Daily ridership is estimated at 950 based on current bus patronage. The Charlotte Area Transit System's long-range plan calls for a 10-mi. (16.1 km) streetcar route costing between $450 million and $500 million.