Bringing rapid and reliable commuter rail to the region
Through development of rapid commuter rail service, this project aims to connect the northern towns of Mecklenburg County and southern Iredell County to Uptown Charlotte
Imagine hopping on a train for a direct connection to Uptown, no traffic, no parking hassles. That’s the vision for the Red Line Commuter Rail. This investment in the North Corridor is building upon more than 15 years of planning. The commuter rail would bring a supplementary rapid-transit corridor to the region, helping move passengers and driving economic development.
The North Corridor has changed a lot since the original design in 2008. This project will update the design of the Red Line based on these changes, planned development and land use, input from the public and technical considerations. CATS is engaged in a collaborative planning effort between the railroads, towns, city and regional planning organizations to establish a shared vision for the corridor.
Project Description
The Red Line is a 25-mile commuter rail project using the existing Norfolk Southern rail line. The Red Line would provide a regional connection between Uptown Charlotte and the downtowns of Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, with potential to extend into Mt. Mourne in Mooresville.
Stations will function not only as park and rides but as integrated mobility hubs with bus services and first/last mile connections. Stations will also be incorporated into surrounding Transit-Oriented Developments.
The Red Line would provide a direct connection to the Charlotte Gateway Station and the surrounding entertainment district including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, and Charlotte Football Club. The Gateway Station would also provide connection to the Gold Line Streetcar, Amtrak, and intercity and local bus services.
Scope
Benefits
- Provides a direct transit service between Uptown Charlotte and the town centers of Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, potentially extending to Mount Mourne.
- Supports traffic reduction along I-77.
- Drives economic development along the route.
- Creates connections to the Charlotte Gateway Station, including additional transit options and the surrounding entertainment district.
- Provides the opportunity for expansion into Iredell County serving key destinations like Lowes Headquarters.
- Allows commuters to comfortably work while traveling.
Background
The Red Line was first identified in 1998 in the 2025 Transit & Land Use Plan. In 2002, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) approved a major investment study in commuter rail along the I-77 north corridor. The initial design was completed in 2008.
In 2013, Norfolk Southern changed its Passenger Rail Policy. Under the new policy’s requirements, the Red Line was not feasible on Norfolk Southern’s “O-Line”, which is the single-track rail line that runs through Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville.
In February 2019, the MTC approved a new Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the North Corridor. The LPA established a North Corridor public transportation strategy that included near-term Bus Rapid Transit on I-77 while continuing a long-term vision for the Red Line, future regional rapid transit and local mobility options. In September 2022, the MTC took action to amend the FY2023 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) to include funding to advance the Red Line Commuter Rail.
On July 25, 2023, the City of Charlotte received a letter from Norfolk Southern stating that the railroad was willing to consider a possible transaction of the O Line. Norfolk Southern and the City engaged in good faith discussions about whether a potential transaction was possible. On September 13, 2023, the Charlotte City Council approved the contract to advance the design of the Red Line.
Next Steps
The first phase of the Red Line Design Update will be completed by early 2025. It will focus on:
- Public involvement and stakeholder coordination
- Updating the previous design from 2008
- Assess the previously identified station locations
- Examining new options for a new vehicle maintenance facility
- Reevaluating vehicle technologies and frequency of service
- Analyzing new alignment options into Uptown Charlotte
- Providing an updated cost estimate
Join Us!
You're invited to join our open houses and comment on the updated design of the Red Line Commuter Rail.
At the meetings, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the project, speak with members of the project team and provide feedback.
Virtual Public Meeting:
Tuesday, October 8 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Watch on CATS YouTube
In-Person Meetings:
Monday, September 30 from 5:30-7:30 P.M.
Camp North End, Junior Achievement League Reveal Room, Keswick District
1701 N Graham St #100, Charlotte, NC 28206
Thursday, October 3 from 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Cornelius Town Hall
21445 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
Thursday, October 10 from 6 - 7:30 P.M.
David B. Waymer Recreation Center
14008 Holbrooks Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of the in-person open houses followed by the opportunity to talk one-on-one with project staff. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation starts at 6 p.m.
Let us know you’re coming! You can RSVP and sign up for updates at publicinput.com/RedLine. RSVP not required to attend.
If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact CATS Customer Service at 704.336.7433 prior to the meeting date for the following translations: Tiếng Việt, 中文, français, русский, ગુજરાતી, 한국어, िहनदी.