Charlotte, NC — Mayor Plans Streetcar Measure

September 2012

Lack of local funding has prevented Charlotte's partially built streetcar line from being completed. The city received federal funding for an Uptown urban circulator streetcar line but the tracks are unused because of city budget woes. However, Mayor Anthony Foxx plans to introduce a proposal on September 27 to put the car line into operation, WBTV television reports.

Electrical infrastructure still needs to be installed including overhead wire but existing Gomaco-built double truck Birney cars are on hand to operate the line. The Birneys were stored after budget problems eliminated their weekend service over part of the "Lynx" light rail route.

The $119 million streetcar project could be completed, despite its defeat by the Charlotte City Council over the summer. Council members voted against the plan to use property tax money to fund the project. Mayor Anthony Foxx is expected to reintroduce the plan at a meeting with council members on September 27.