Between 2006 and 2008, transit ridership in the Charlotte metropolitan area increased 47 percent, the highest rate of growth in the nation.

A Shift in Criteria for Federal Funding

In November 2007, Charlotte, NC, unveiled the first light rail project in North Carolina history. The 9.6-mile LYNX Blue Line, connecting Charlotte’s suburban South End to its downtown financial district, is a regional strategy to address growing congestion problems in the greater Charlotte area. Amazingly, within its first year of operation, ridership averaged 16,000 daily weekday trips – attaining nearly twice the federal projections roughly 15 years ahead of schedule.  The light rail line also proved to be a viable alternative to automobile travel in the city and Charlotte residents took advantage of it.  A 2009 Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) survey indicated 72 percent of LYNX riders did not use public transportation prior to its completion.

Unfortunately, the project was not built to accommodate as many passengers as it attracted. At the time, to qualify for federal funding, projects needed to meet cost-effectiveness criteria.  Charlotte officials had originally planned to build the line with three-car trains, but the project was scaled back to two-car trains to score a cost-effectiveness rating worthy of federal funding.  Now, the City of Charlotte needs to go back and implement what it originally planned to accommodate the rising demand for the LYNX Blue Line – from a transit perspective, a good problem to have.  The upgrades to the existing track and platforms to support three rail cars will add $67 million to the project. 

Going forward, the City of Charlotte is planning an 11-mile extension to the LYNX Blue Line.  The plan again calls for a three-car system, and hopefully the current changes being made to the nation’s transportation strategy will allow for the extension project to receive federal funding and be built as planned.

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation announced earlier this year that the new transportation strategy will take a more comprehensive look at how transportation projects affect the “livability,” or quality of life, of an area.  This shift in philosophy will change the way transportation projects are chosen for federal funding, widening the scope beyond just a cost-effectiveness formula to an equation with other significant variables, such as impact on the environment and economic development.  Inclusion of these additional variables will help to identify the true benefits and costs of transportation projects, making sure projects like Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line are built correctly the first time around.

Photo courtesy of Michael Trznadel

For Additional Information:

• Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS): LYNX Blue Line
• U.S. Dept. of Transportation Press Release: Obama Administration Proposes Major Public Transportation Policy Shift to Highlight Livability 

NEWS

Local News

Panel OKs plan limiting income for seniors' free rides – Chicago Tribune “Free rides for senior citizens on buses and trains would be scaled back significantly, and transit systems throughout Illinois would net millions of dollars under a new plan approved with bipartisan support in a Senate panel Tuesday.”

CTA awaits word on federal funds for faster bus system – Chicago Tribune “After winning, then losing, federal funding a couple of years ago, the CTA is again competing for a $150 million grant to introduce rapid-transit-style bus service in Chicago.”

New law requires stopping for pedestrians, not yielding – Chicago Sun-Times “The Illinois Senate voted 33-15 to pass legislation that would require motorists to come to a complete stop if a pedestrian enters a crosswalk where there are no traffic signals or stop signs.”

Report: State's roads are among worst – Daily Herald “The Illinois Public Interest Research Group argues that potholes and cracks at highways and bridges across the state are costing motorists at car repair shops.”

Metra leaves search engines at the station – Chicago Sun-Times “Metra says it doesn't have the money to install WiFi equipment along its 11 rail lines.”

Tollway: No plans for toll increase – Chicago Tribune “Responding to a published report, toll officials said the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is on solid financial ground, unlike the state of Illinois, because tolls are pumped directly back into the agency and revenues are strong.”

World News

Billions urged for Pa. transit – Philadelphia Inquirer “A state report says bridges, highways, and mass transit need $3 billion more a year - a 50 percent increase.”  

Why America still needs Amtrak – Chicago Tribune “Amtrak's national network isn't just an alternative for people who can't or won't fly or drive, or a joy ride for hardcore train enthusiasts. Passenger trains serve many rural communities that are hundreds of miles from the nearest commercial airport.”

Amtrak to invest $1 billion in capital program – Progressive Railroading “Amtrak is launching a $1 billion construction program to fund capital projects designed to rebuild, upgrade and modernize its tracks, bridges, stations and other infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor and across the country.”

Amtrak ridership is up, but passengers grouse about frequent delays – Washington Post “Despite widespread supply and obvious demand, the government-subsidized company has been riddled with problems.”

Landmark transportation bill has miles to go – Atlanta Journal Constitution “Georgia’s Legislature has just passed the biggest boost to transportation funding in the state’s history — a bill that has the power to transform the Atlanta region’s landscape and the movement of its people.”

Resources

• New York City’s Congestion Pricing Experience and Implications for Road Pricing Acceptance in the United States – Transport Policy
• Road Work Ahead: Holding Government Accountable for Fixing America’s Crumbling Roads and Bridges – U.S. PIRG
• Full Speed Ahead: Creating Green Jobs Through Freight Rail Expansion – Economic Policy Institute

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