CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) hosted the first of two public meetings on Tuesday to discuss improvements to the Blue Line light rail. CATS shared long-awaited design updates for a new Blue Line station during the meeting.
A second meeting happened on Wednesday at noon.
The new train station stop will be located next to Publix on South Boulevard, between the New Bern and the East/West Boulevard station stops.
"It will also help with convenience for people trying to get to Publix, trying to get to Atherton and all the other destinations on the South Boulevard side," a CATS official said Wednesday. "Lots of apartment complexes and other things going on on the Hawkins side, but will also help during construction with our contractors being able to get materials across the tracks as well. That's a top priority."
As South End continues to grow the need for the stop became necessary, expanding access to riders.
“I would really appreciate that stop because it is right next to my apartment complex,” said Alex Emery, who now uses the Bern Station stop. “That’s about a 15-minute walk, so the public would be right there.”
“I think once you ride it, and you realize how convenient it is. It’s nice not to have to park,” said Mike Francis, a NODA resident. “You look at prices of Ubers right now and when they are surging.. especially when ridership is only a couple of bucks for as far as you can ride it.”
“It’s just basically saving money on gas, and having it right here and be able to get from one side to another of town is nice,” said Nick Spath who uses the rail line frequently. “I think it is better to use that than cars, less traffic is better overall.”
The public will also get updates on the pedestrian track crossing in Charlotte's South End neighborhood.