Since the opening of the LYNX Blue Line in 2007, the South End area of Charlotte has experienced exponential growth. New developments, residents and businesses have increased the density of this area, and the need for accessible transit is apparent. What began as a way for pedestrians to safely cross the LYNX Blue Line Tracks has evolved into plans for a full-blown light rail station midway between the New Bern and East/West stations.
The new station will be designed to the same standards as the recently constructed LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) stations. The project is a result of the partnership between CATS, Center City Partners, and nearby stakeholders, including private developers of residential, retail and office spaces in South End.
The South End Station will support the goals of the 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, the 2025 Integrated Transit/Land Use Plan and the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan. The city is the grant recipient for the Federal Transit Administration and the N.C. Department of Transportation funds to design, construct and operate the LYNX Blue Line and proposed South End Station project.
On Aug. 24, 2022, the Metropolitan Transit Committee adopted the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Offset Option, pictured above.