The N.C. Board of Transportation traveled to Charlotte for two days of meetings, culminating on Thursday, March 8, in the Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte. Board members hopped on the light rail at the CATS 9th Street Station for the 22-minute commute to the UNC Charlotte Main Station.
“As a proud alumna of UNC Charlotte, I was thrilled for the members of the N.C. Board of Transportation and staff to be in ‘our house’ and hear from Chancellor Phil Dubois,” said Tracy Dodson (’98), N.C. DOT at-large board member and senior vice president of Lincoln Harris. “Riding the Blue Line Extension into campus, board members were astounded by the size of our campus, the growth in transportation research and the connections to the Charlotte community.”
In his presentation to the board, Chancellor Dubois talked about UNC Charlotte’s growth; the quality of University students; and the institution’s academic successes, evolving research and exponential impact on the Charlotte region and beyond. He also thanked the board members for their support of light rail, calling it “transformational,” as it will increase student access to UNC Charlotte Center City, reduce demand for parking, strengthen industry ties to research and provide economic development benefits.
The CATS Blue Line Extension officially opens on Friday, March 16, with trains arriving every 7 ½ minutes during peak hours. There are 11 new stations, including two on campus and one at UNC Charlotte Center City; four park and ride facilities serve the extension. For more information about the University’s involvement with the extension, visit lightrail.uncc.edu.