The current Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the West Corridor is a streetcar alignment branching off from the CityLYNX Gold Line. However, as the West Corridor continues to transition and grow, it became necessary to evaluate the necessary transportation and land use analysis to update the 2030 Transit System Corridor Plan. During its study, CATS compared other transit investments options and determined light rail as the most logical technology for the West Corridor.
CATS' study also concluded that there was opportunity to create a single east-west light rail corridor that extends from Matthews to the airport and potentially beyond. This would create a single seamless corridor similar to the LYNX Blue Line and recently constructed LYNX Blue Line Extension.
During the January 2019 MTC meeting, CATS staff recommended:
Light rail replace streetcar as the West Corridor Transit Mode
Wilkinson Blvd as the light rail alignment including planning for rail trail
West Corridor be included in the
LYNX Silver Line project
Extend light rail across the Catawba River to the City of Belmont
As part of the Regional Transit Study, evaluate light rail to downtown Gastonia
Implement enhanced bus services and bus stop capital improvements along West Blvd
It is anticipated, the MTC will vote on this recommendation at its February 27, 2019 meeting.
View West Corridor Downloadable Brochure (July 2018)
View CATS MTC 2030 System Update Presentation
(January 2019)
A Regional TOD Grant Partnership:
CATS in partnership with Charlotte Planning, Design + Development Department, City of Gastonia, City of Belmont, Town of Matthews, Town of Stallings, and Town of Indian Trail were awarded a $920,000 planning grant for TOD planning from the Federal Transit Administration.
Specific outcomes of this work will include
Determining future land use around stations
Identifying supporting infrastructure
Advance actions for corridor preservation and affordable housing
Identification of innovative economic development and financing strategies
For questions or comments on this, or any CATS project,
email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-RIDE.