Monday, April 29, 2024

Getting Around Charlotte: Guide to Public Transportation

charlotte transit center

It serves as the central hub for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses and connects with the LYNX Blue Line and CityLYNX Gold Line. Notable places nearby include the Bank of America Corporate Center, Belk Theater, EpiCentre, Overstreet Mall and the Spectrum Center. In addition to questions about funding for the transit center, changes in plans for the Charlotte Hornets’ new practice facility also impacted the project in recent weeks. The evaluation of the underground transit center, called the “concourse option” by transit planners, came out as safer and easier to secure than above-ground options. It will also be climate controlled, compared to the other option that would be mostly open-air.

Bus and Rail Customer Surveys

The Charlotte Area Transit System is an irreplaceable part of our growing, thriving city. We're the smiles that greet riders early in the morning, the drivers that deliver commuters safely across town day after day and the planners who are passionate about the bright future of Charlotte. We’re looking for incredible people to add to our team, from bus and rail operations to paratransit service and corporate positions.

Charlotte Transportation Center Station

Another popular spot in South End, Bland Street Station offers riders a variety of cultural and culinary experiences just a short walk away. Just before the intersection of North Tryon Street and East W.T. Harris Boulevard, hop off at the McCullough Station for a taste of local eats and a game of mini golf. On January 31, 2023, the Metropolitan Transit Commission adopted the Concourse design concept as the Locally Preferred Alternative for the proposed redevelopment of the Charlotte Transportation Center. The first presentation to #CLTCC is about renovations to the Transit Center.

South Charlotte

Then-CATS CEO John Lewis said when the plan was first presented in 2022 that it would require multiple funding sources, the Observer reported at the time. Assistant City Manager Tracy Dodson said in 2023 when the plan was endorsed by a City Council committee the city would discuss a public-private partnership to fund the development. Construction for Charlotte's new transit center is expected to start in 2025 and the first phase of the Silver Line is expected to start sometime in the 2030s.

Uptown

The Tyvola Station is situated on a bridge that runs above Grover Road. The station features 465 spots to park and ride and has several global food options nearby, including Latin American and Indian cuisine. Charlotte Area Transit System leaders say temperature swings from the open-air facility are one of the reasons why renovations are needed. CATS CEO John Lewis cited people who must dodge buses in the terminal to catch their next one and the lack of meaningful activity, such as retail, on Brevard Street. He also said it has poor connectivity to the streetcar and light rail. The commission also voted Tuesday night on the design of the new Uptown transportation center.

Originally from the Philadelphia area but a southerner most of her life, Kristen has called Charlotte home since 2012. She previously served on the CRVA communications team and has a strong passion for sharing stories about the people and places of Charlotte. When she’s not out experiencing her favorite Charlotte locales, you can find her hanging out with her husband, son and two dachshunds. More than a dozen restaurants, breweries, bars and entertainment hot spots are within walking distance. The stop is right along the Rail Trail, a pedestrian-friendly walkway that runs parallel to the rail line. While not on NoDa’s main strip, the 25th Street Station provides access to much of Charlotte’s up-and-coming Mill District.

Security call for public urination led to deadly uptown shooting after suspect fired - Charlotte Observer

Security call for public urination led to deadly uptown shooting after suspect fired.

Posted: Fri, 08 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Uncertainty around Charlotte Transit Center funding

It's also great option if extending your trip to other destinations in North Carolina, like Asheville (two hours away), Raleigh (two hours, 30 minutes away), or its several pristine beaches. While taxis aren't as readily available in Charlotte as in major cities, several companies like Crown Cab and Yellow Taxi Co. operate in the city and can be found at the airport and other busier parts of town. The $150 million expansion extends the existing line by 2.5 miles and adds 11 stops. While the first phase of the streetcar was only 1.5 miles and only ran from the Spectrum Center to Novant Hospital, the new segment makes the Gold Line a more viable part of Charlotte’s transportation network. Just a short walk from the Arrowood Station, you’ll find locally owned international restaurants to create your own global tasting tour. This station also has nearly 300 park-and-ride spots, a covered waiting area and is the pickup/drop-off spot for Megabus.

The northernmost light rail station takes you to UNC Charlotte’s main campus on Cameron Boulevard, providing easy access for students to get to and from campus and for visitors to explore. Stroll through the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, cheer on the Charlotte 49ers at a game and watch shows at the university’s performing arts venues. CATS rail service first began on June 28, 2004 with the Charlotte Trolley, operating three Birney-style replica streetcars between Atherton Mill and 9th Street. In 2006, the trolley service was suspended to allow the line's conversion to light-rail. Resumed on a limited schedule in 2008, the heritage streetcar line was discontinued two years later on June 28, 2010. CATS operates two rail lines under the "Lynx" (stylized as "LYNX") system umbrella.

charlotte transit center

It’s also near Campbell’s Snacks, formerly the historic Snyder’s-Lance Factory. Park in one of the 430 park-and-ride spots then head up the stairs or elevator to get to the station platform, on the bridge over Archdale Drive. This is a great station to experience some local international favorites, including the nearby Latin American grocery stores and authentic eateries. Park your car in one of the 382 park-and-ride spots or secure your bike in the bike locker and hop on the train.

The facility covers approximately 1.5 acres and includes an open-air plaza, covered passenger waiting areas, pedestrian pathways and bicycle parking. City staff said the underground option will best integrate the rail trail and light rail with the bus hub and will be easier for riders to navigate than the two-level terrace option that was struck down. A new station for the LYNX Blue Line will be located between the New Bern and East/West Boulevard stations.

During this time, UNC Charlotte affiliates are strongly encouraged to take LYNX light rail to avoid parking and traffic disruptions. Environmentally-friendly transit options work to decrease CO2 emissions in the greater Charlotte area and create a healthier community. Community members can easily use public transit to travel to places of employment, education centers, medical facilities or other life necessities. Asked about the potential impacts of that decision on the transit center, Cagle previously said the CTC project was still moving forward. That could include discussing use of a city-owned lot adjacent to the transit center, Driggs said. Some riders and elected officials have expressed safety concerns about putting the bus terminal underground.

Situated near First Ward Park and UNC Charlotte Center City, this station provides access to several restaurants, along with arts and culture attractions, in the First and Fourth Wards. Parkwood Station provides access to the quickly developing Optimist Park neighborhood between Uptown and NoDa. Start your experience at Optimist Hall, the largest food hall in the city, then explore surrounding eateries, bars and parks while enjoying a skyline view. If you need an easy place to park to get to NoDa, grab one of the more than 600 parking spots at Sugar Creek Station, then hop on the light rail to head to your destination. While you’re here, don’t skip over the culinary and cultural experiences available near this station.

Town of Matthews Mayor John Higdon said he was worried the increased costs for the project around Uptown Charlotte could end up with his town getting short-changed in the long run. One of the advantages, Mock said, is the other option would mean the city has to close Television Place, cutting off the main road alongside the Bojangles Coliseum. The new route moves the line closer to the coliseum and puts a new station closer to the Independence Boulevard coliseum. “Part of the upside for putting it underground is you have to have a ticket to go in,” said Krissy Oechslin, chair of the Transit Service Advisory Committee.

While still a car-centric city with some of the worst traffic in the Southeast, Charlotte offers a variety of affordable and convenient public transportation options. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is comprised of over 70 routes incorporating both buses and light rail. Service includes all of Mecklenburg County—including to and from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport—as well as neighboring cities of Cabarrus, Gaston and Union in North Carolina as well as York in South Carolina. Navigating the system is fairly easy and a great way to see the Queen City and popular attractions like museums in Uptown, breweries in South End, and art galleries in NoDa. Major rental car companies like Alamo, Enterprise, and Hertz have outposts at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport as well as in Uptown, South Park, and Collingwood. Keep in mind that parking downtown can be expensive, but there are several city-operated and private lots for those who choose to do so and plan to drive in from other parts of town.

Commission members voted to change a section of the plans for the Silver Line light rail route around the Bojangles Coliseum. But, she said, there were several concerns and criticisms about putting the hub underground. One critique she heard, Oechslin said, is that it felt like the city was trying to hide bus riders underground. The Queen City is moving forward with major Uptown transportation changes, and one involves building a new transit center underground. The second phase of Charlotte’s Gold Line streetcar opened Monday, connecting Johnson C. Smith University on the west side to Elizabeth on the east side.

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