The heritage streetcar line linking the South End to
the uptown district will start running four hours earlier and more
frequently on Oct. 18. The two cars currently in operation, original
Charlotte trolley No. 85 and replica open-bench No. 1776 borrowed from
Gomaco, now begin operation at 11 a.m with hourly runs. The new schedule
calls for a 7 a.m. weekday start time and a 30-min. headway. The reason for
the changes, according to Charlotte Area Transit System officials, is demand
for service from South End residents who want to use the trolleys to reach
their jobs. Hundreds of new condos and apartments have been built along the
rail corridor in recent years, and many residents said they moved into the
area so they could use the streetcars. Service began last June, about two
years behind schedule, and so far ridership has been strong.
