Charlotte, NC — Streetcar Opening Date Announced

May 2012

The initial 1.5-mile, $37 million segment of Charlotte's planned streetcar system will open in March 2015 in the Uptown area, according to city engineers.

WBTV Television reports the starter line, paid for in part with a $25 million federal grant, is part of a planned 10-mile route but there is no funding yet for the 8.5-mile extension.

However, according to Charlotte Business Journal, there may be a property tax hike referendum this fall that would include $119 million for a 2.5-mile streetcar extension.

The starter line will save on rolling stock costs by using three Gomaco-built replica double truck Birneys that formerly ran along part of the Charlotte Area Transit System [CATS] "Lynx" light rail line.