CATS Weighs Station Cuts, Route Changes To Reduce Silver Line Costs

Charlotte Area Transit System officials are examining ways to slash expenses for the Silver Line light rail project. Station eliminations and route adjustments top the list. CATS held a virtual public meeting Thursday to share these possibilities and collect input from residents.

A recent P.A.V.E. Act study reveals transit leaders are mulling several modifications. These include merging the Remount and Berryhill stations into one. The Summit and First Ward stations might disappear altogether. The Uptown alignment could shift along 11th Street, and the Coliseum station may move nearer to Independence Blvd., according to WCNC.

The complete Silver Line vision would stretch from Belmont to Indian Trail. That's 29 miles of light rail with 30 stations. Transit leaders are now focusing on a smaller 10-mile segment. It would run from the airport to the Coliseum and Ovens area, featuring 16 stations at an estimated price tag of $3.3 billion.

Officials said major design changes are required to free up enough money for one or two additional eastward stops. Pushing the line all the way to Matthews does not appear to be possible with current funding.

The cost reductions could boost the Silver Line's chances for federal funding. Extending service farther east might also improve access and increase ridership, according to CATS. Voters approved a sales tax referendum that gave the transit agency the green light to move forward with planning.

A public survey will open soon for residents to weigh in. Final recommendations should arrive later this spring and summer.

The meeting streamed live on the CATS YouTube channel at 6 p.m. Thursday.