Charlotte, NC

Charlotte has always had so much to be proud of, but the new Light Rail Transit (LRT) system adds a new dimension in travel through — and another jewel to the crown of — the Queen City. Dedicated this week, the newly-completed system, called Lynx (and why not? After all, it’s in the home of the Bobcats, Panthers and the Charlotte Area Transit System — or CATS) brings downtowners to the southern shops of the city.

A showcase station on Scaleybark Rd. and South Blvd. educates a lot of riders on the “hows, wheres and whats” of the 9.7-mile, dual-track system. The LRT then proceeds to Tyvola Road — the hub of south Charlotte’s shopping district — and on to the I-285 area north of Pineville.

The system is the first part of what Charlotte calls its “2025 plan”, which calls for developing eight different corridors for LRT travel by that year. To finance the present “Southern Corridor” project, residents have seen an increase in sales taxes. Though the percentage is small, the increase is still not popular with most Charlotteans. But Mayor Pat McCrory — presently seeking an unprecedented eighth term — says that, if the increase was defeated, the only recourse would be to increase property taxes. Of course, this would be more unpopular, so the sales-tax increase stands.

The trains will operate from 5 AM to 1 AM, seven days a week. They’ll have low floors to accommodate anyone who has a hard time boarding (like moms with baby carriages, folks with walkers, etc.), room for 236 passengers and be able to reach speeds up to 65 miles per hour.

While bus ridership isn’t generating the revenue that city fathers had hoped, there’s much (and justified) anticipation in the success of the new Light Rail Transit. Having ridden one myself, I can tell you it’s relaxing, fast, and interesting as all get-out! So do yourself a favor: park the car (be sure you lock it, okay?) and give the LRT a whirl. Guaranteed that, once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to take it more and more often!