Gold Line

CityLYNX Gold Line Page banner with image of streetcar in Gold tint

The CityLYNX Gold Line is a 10-mile streetcar system that is an integral part of the 2030 Transit Plan and is being constructed in phases. Phase 1 opened to revenue service in 2015. Currently, Phase 2 is under construction.

Phase 2 extends the current streetcar segment by 2.5 miles on the east and west ends of the line, creating an interim system of 4 miles. CityLYNX Gold Line Phase 2 will extend west 2 miles from the Charlotte Transportation Center to French Street, and east one-half mile along Hawthorne Lane from Novant Presbyterian Hospital to Sunnyside Avenue.

Some highlights of Phase 2 include:

• 11 additional stops

• S70 Siemens modern streetcar vehicles with hybrid technology

The CityLYNX Gold Line map depicting all three phases of the project.

In conjunction with Phase 2 of the Gold Line Streetcar Project, various city improvements will be made along the corridor including the realignment of Frazier Avenue. This roadway realignment in Charlotte's Historic West End will align Frazier Avenue with Wesley Heights Way creating a four-way signalized intersection.

The CityLYNX Gold Line modern streetcar vehicles with hyrbid technology. These vehicles will begin operating once Phase 2 is don

The streetcar will be critical in creating a transit focused and pedestrian oriented center city through developing an integrated transportation system of pedestrians, bikes, motor vehicles, transit, parking, and land development. The cost of Phase 2 is $150 million (provided through a 50/50 federal match).

Capital funding to cover the City's 50% would come from unallocated and contingent capital accounts within the revenue sources, other than property taxes. Phase 2 was included in President Obama's FY2016 budget for $75 million after the Federal Transit Administration's Small Starts evaluation resulted in the project being rated "medium-high".

Phase 2 service start date is projected in 2020.

Project Renderings

Click below to view renderings of several future streetcar stops.

- 5 Points Intersection

- Hawthorne Bridge Reconstruction

- Johnson C. Smith University Stop

- Johnson & Wales Stop

- Sunnyside Avene Stop

- Tryon Street Stop

Economic Growth

The CityLYNX Gold Line will serve as an engine for economic growth with an anticipated 1.1 million or more square feet in new development:

71 additional residential units
21,800 square feet of additional retail space
276, 700 square feet of additional office space
101 additional hotel rooms

Additional economic benefits may include:

Increase in incremental property tax revenues which could range from $4.7 million to $7.0 million per year by 2035
2,000 small businesses will be accessible within one-fourth mile of the CityLYNX Gold Line
Providing Connectivity throughout Central Charlotte