CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) held its first of three public input meetings on the Gold Line on Tuesday, giving people a chance to see where things stand with the expansion and weigh in on the plans.
CATS officials said the expansion would be an economic boost to the region, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, entertainment, and educational institutions.
Riders told WCNC Charlotte’s Jesse Pierre they are looking forward to the future connections the Gold Line will bring.
For some, the adventures begin during lunchtime.
“It’s a great way to explore different parts of town that I don’t know exist,” Ballantyne resident Linsey Thornton said.
With the workload on hold, people can find their midday oasis without getting behind the wheel.
“We don’t have to leave our parking deck to get to Uptown, or try and get Uber to get to those restaurants further in Uptown ... we can sit and eat and jump back on,” Latreesa Ayton, a Concord resident, said.
It’s the things the Gold Line cuts out that make it worth the ride.
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“Timewise, traffic, parking, all of those issues," Thornton said, who would like to see the rail run more often. “Anytime it runs more, that is always going to be better. If they can get it down to 15, even 10, that would be optimal.”
With CATS back on track with staffing, the Gold Line is back to running every 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Gold Line is expanding from the Rosa Parks Community Transit Center on the west side to the Eastland Community Transit Center on the east. The 10-mile streetcar system would add 17 more stops, and connect the Blue Line, the future Red Line and the future Charlotte Gateway Station.
This is an expansion that CATS hopes will attract more riders.
“It will diminish traffic," Johnson & Wales University student Christian Ojeba said. "People don’t have to drive as much, people don’t have to walk as much, plus this line is free right here.”
“Some people don’t even know that it gives you the convenience to go to the college, or further Uptown that you haven’t even explored yet,” Ayton said.
Residents may soon be a stop away from their next adventure.
In-person meetings:
- Tuesday, April 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Northwest School of the Arts (Located along CATS Bus Route 7), 1415 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
- Thursday, April 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Park – Indoor Pavilion (Located along CATS Bus Route 9), 2136 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Virtual public meeting:
- Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m., CATS YouTube
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.