Light Rail Begin Operations

The much anticipated Blue Line of the Lynx light rail service has started serving the Uptown. This $400M project is the first leg of a series of light rail lines planned around the city. The light rail's operation is the beginning of a new day in Charlotte.

The grand opening of the light rail was by all accounts a huge success. It is estimated that over 100,000 people rode the new light rail during the course of the weekend. On the first day of the grand opening, there were 1-2 hour waits to board a train on the North and South ends of the line.

The cabins of the Blue Line are fresh and clean. These brand new trains operate smoothly and quietly. Slightly more noisy than a monorail, the operation of these electric trains are much more quiet than a subway or L-train. One shouldn't be deterred from riding the Lynx if one doesn't like busses...who does? The light rail is a new clean approach to mass transit. If you haven't been on the light rail, you should give it a try.

Fare is $1.30 per ride. Tickets are purchased from kiosks at the stops of the light rail. While no attendant checks tickets for each rider, there are random ticket checks on the trains. Riding the Lynx without a ticket results in a $50 fine.

The Blue Line of the Lynx was the center of great controversy. The conflict was centered around the projected cost from the inception in relationship to the actual cost at completion. The projected cost ended up being around 1/3 of the actual cost...oops!

The benefits of the light rail are numerous for the city. As a new alternative to driving for the large number of commuters from South Charlotte, this will help reduce traffic in the mornings. In reducing traffic, fuel consumption and pollution are reduced. While this step will not likely fix global warming, it is a step in the right direction for a city moving forward.

Another benefit to the city are the numerous residential and commercial developments along the line. There are too many residential developments along the light rail to list here, but the numbers are impressive. There are over 2,500 individual housing units built, planned, or under construction along the light rail. While the light rail has cost more than expected, it will pay for itself in the long run with tax revenue alone.

Get out and try on the light rail. It's an experience worth enjoying even if it means traveling out of your way.