illustration82

So have city leaders decided on which streetcar design they were going with? I personally like the Siemens model the best. Looks more uniformed with the blue line design. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/kdv9cw/picture74315902/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/siemens

Spurring off from the Gold Line would probably be the be route to go regardless of whether or not they chose to use CSX or Monroe Rd for the silver line. It would cut construction cost by using the same tracks as the Gold line to reach uptown. A part of me wonders if its even necessary to run the gold line along Central Ave and the silver line along Monroe. Both lines would be very close together and serve pretty much the same area. It may make more sense to just extend the Gold line down Monroe, eliminating the need for the silver line.

If we used the CSX line (which seems like a smart idea), I wonder if we would run into the same interference we did with Norfolk Southern for the Red Line. And if we did use the CSX railroad corridor for the silver line, it should definitely be light rail in my opinion. Does anyone know how often that rail line is used now?

So in other words Kermit, the system on Monroe could possibly be a streetcar that acts as an LRT. If that is the case, then they really need to consider doing the same for the additional phases of the Gold line. It would definitely increase it's popularity.

I definitely think that the silver line should be light rail and not streetcar. I fear if they make it streetcar along Monroe Rd, many people wouldn't ride because of how slow it would be. Also, I thought that modern tram cars were already decided on for phase II, why does this article make it seem like they may still be up for debate? Perhaps I may be misunderstanding the article, but I hope the longer modern day tram are a sure thing for he Gold line phase II. And streetcar to the airport (with its on right-of- way) is definitely a good idea. We need that sooner than later in my opinion. PS... here is another news report about the new streetcar/light rail study... http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/charlotte-studies-possibility-new-rail-lines/nm9Wm/

I agree. The problem is simply that large groups of people are congregating near and around that area. It would (or should) be a problem regardless of who they are. I think we all come to this forum to express our common interest and support for the streetcar. We should probably just keep the focus on that. I for one love coming to this forum to hear everyone's thoughts and feelings about the streetcar service, but hearing comments like that can be a little off putting. Even if it wasn't said out of malice or ill intent. Of course I do recognize that it wasn't, however I couldn't help but to be bothered by it.

Not sure if it was really necessary to specify race in your quote. "Issues with large groups of people congregating" was really all that needed to be said.

Too Funny.. I love it. lol

Well it looks like city council is once again at odds about continuing support for phase two of the streetcar. What are your thoughts? Any chance they'll vote to keep funding in place? I know no one wants to see property tax go up, but we are so close to possibly receiving funding for the extension. I hope they don't cut funding.

Although I'm sure this bill doesn't stand a chance of passing, how does is jeopardize the Blue Line extension? I thought funding for the extension was already awarded. It also seems like it shouldn't jeopardize the Gold line extension either since that is already scheduled for possible approval later this year. Am I missing something? If this bill is passed, and that is a big IF, it would phase out funding over the next five years according to the article. By that time Charlotte would have secured funding for both projects, right?

It seems a little faster in the first video. I noticed in the second video there is another vehicle pushing it from behind. The first video is probably more of an accurate speed.

Looks like testing has began. WSOC tv posted this article this morning about the late night test run. I'm so excited. http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/cats-tests-gold-line-trolley-elizabeth-overnight/nkdLN/

I can see your point. But I'm optimistic that funding will be found soon enough. Officials really seem to want this and Charlotte really needs something like this to happen. If we are approved for the streetcar extension, I feel a stop at the Gateway will make that project a lot more successful. Here's hoping.

Did anyone get a chance to see this report yesterday? Very interesting and exciting. Thoughts? http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/nc-resuming-efforts-build-new-train-station-uptown/njQjP/

I didn't realize that a section of the light rail extension would travel under a tunnel. I found out today that the train will pass underground then onto the campus of UNCC.