Yes, those really are light rail trains you see while driving or walking along the 9.3 mile extension of the Lynx Blue Line between Uptown and UNC Charlotte.
The CATS extension opens for revenue service on March 16 to passengers, but for now the trains are going up and down the entire line, stopping at all stations to simulate actual scheduled runs. No passengers are on board beyond Seventh Street.
CATS chief executive John Lewis says they are on schedule for the March opening. Trains are scheduled to arrive at stations every seven minutes (during peak hours) versus the current 10-minute time frame.
This energetic overview shows just how connected we'll be:
You can look forward to:
- It’s access like never before. The line will be open seven days a week.
- It's convenient. Trains have set travel times so you'll always know the schedule - no guessing when the next train will arrive.
- Will it take longer to get back and forth? The light rail will offer a consistent 22-minute commute from UNC Charlotte to Uptown Charlotte.
- All and all, there are 11 new stations and 26 total, including two on campus and one at UNC Charlotte Center City.
- Riding the light rail is very economical. Students will pay just $25 per semester via student fees for an all-access pass (prorated for spring 2018), and faculty and staff can purchase a transit pass for $75 per year or $50 per semester.
Visit LightRail.uncc.edu for more information and the latest updates.