Center City Corridor (LYNX)

Infobox rail line
name = LYNX Center City Corridor


image_width =
caption =
type = Streetcar
system = LYNX Rapid Transit Services
locale = Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina
start = Eastland Community Transit Center (east)
end = Rosa Parks Place (west)
stations = 34
routes = Center City Corridor
ridership =
open = 2018
close =
owner = Charlotte Area Transit System
operator = Charlotte Area Transit System
character =
stock =
linelength = convert|9.9|mi
tracklength =
notrack =
gauge =
el =
speed =
elevation =

LYNX Center City Corridorcite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =Rapid Transit Planning
work =
publisher =Charlotte Area Transit System
date =
url =http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Rapid+Transit+Planning/home.htm
accessdate =2007-01-13 ] |

The Center City Corridor is a proposed streetcar line, to be completed in 2018, which would serve as an extension to Charlotte, North Carolina's LYNX transportation network. It would connect the University Park area of west Charlotte with Eastland Mall in east Charlotte via Uptown Charlotte.

It is proposed to follow a primarily east-west path along Beatties Ford Road, Trade Street and Central Avenue, through central Charlotte. Currently, it is estimated to be 9.9 miles (15.9 km) with 34 stops and be complete between Rosa Parks Place and Presbyterian Hospital by 2018 at a cost of $211 million. The second phase between Presbyterian Hospital and Eastland is scheduled for completion by 2023 at a cost of $231 million. CATS estimates that the completed route will have an average daily ridership of between 14,200 to 16,700 passengers by 2030.cite news
last =Rubin
first =Richard
title =City eyes east-west streetcar
work =The Charlotte Observer
pages =4B
date =June 29, 2006 ]

History

In June 2006 initial costs for the completion if the streetcar line were stated at about $250 million. The streetcars would serve as a replacement for both the No. 7 and No. 9 CATS bus routes presently serving Beatties Ford Road Central Avenue respectively. With an estimated cost and ridership in place, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) would would vote on the priority for its construction in November 2006.

At its November meeting the MTC voted to prioritize the construction and completion of both the Blue Line Extension to UNC Charlotte and the Purple Line commuter rail to Lake Norman over the construction and completion of the Central City streetcar.cite news
last =Rubin
first =Richard
title =Rail plans to north, university roll ahead
work =The Charlotte Observer
pages =1A
date =November 16, 2006 ] At this time the MTC also determined that initial engineering studies for the corridor will commence in 2013 with a phased completion by 2023. Although construction is not slated to commence until the mid-2010s, streetcar tracks for the line are being installed as part of a streetscape project along the Elizabeth Avenue segment between CPCC and Presbyterian Hospital to be complete by 2009.cite news
last =Rubin
first =Richard
title =Lay track. Wait years. Ride - Plan: Streetcars to roll a decade after rails in place
work =The Charlotte Observer
pages =1B
date =January 7, 2007 ]

Although identified as the number three priority by the MTC, by 2008 CATS began to determine means by which to speed up its construction and be operational by 2013.cite news
last =Harrison
first =Steve
title =Streetcar move-up has CATS pressed
work =The Charlotte Observer
pages =1B
date =March 28, 2008 ] To further expedite the proposed streetcar line, in May 2008, the Charlotte City Council approved $500,000 to study the corridor in terms of an updated cost estimate, economic benefits and the eligibility of the corridor for federal funding.cite news
last =Tierney
first =Dan
title =City OKs further study of streetcars, their costs
work =The Charlotte Observer
pages =1M
date =June 1, 2008 ] However in order to complete the line by 2013, CATS has stated that additional capital will be required due to other projects already budgeted and in progress.

References