Charlotte closing in on Norfolk Southern deal for Red Line as new transit authority proposed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — As the deadline closes in on Charlotte leaders coming to terms with Norfolk Southern, plans for the future of Mecklenburg County transit and how its governed are coming into view.

A new transit authority has been proposed to send to the N.C. General Assembly for approval. It would be formed alongside a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase.

Matthews passed a resolution to not support the proposed transit plans, and is currently the only Mecklenburg County municipality not to be included. Draft legislation for the sales tax establishes Red Line as priority project, leaving off the Silver Line.

At Monday night’s City Council meeting, some of members’ concerns stem from Matthews leaders speaking out against the extra tax. That’s because state lawmakers have said there won’t be enough funding to extend the Silver Line to their community.

“The question here that we have to ask ourselves, are we creating two cities, ” said Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, feeling sympathetic for east Charlotte residents. “Are we creating two cities where one part has an access to more efficient and effective transportation and one part does not?”

The Red Line has long been in the plans for county leaders, but Norfolk Southern has not until recent years budged on allowing the public to use its right of way. CATS CEO Brent Cagle told City Council that $74 million will take the commuter rail from uptown Charlotte to the Mecklenburg-Iredell County line.

Further, $17 million is needed to build a Red Line station adjacent to the future Gateway Station uptown, which will be a hub for many types of transit.

“There’s no question that we need to make a large investment in mobility infrastructure,” said Councilman Ed Driggs, also chair of the city’s Transportation and Planning Committee.

Norfolk Southern requires their shared deal with Charlotte be closed no later than Sept. 9.

The city will then own but not operate the O-line; they will hold the corridor until transfer to the newly formed agency is complete.

Charlotte Deputy Transportation Director Ed McKinney laid out the member breakdown, which would look different from the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization. There would be 27 members:

• 12 from Charlotte
• 12 from Mecklenburg County
• Two state legislator appointments and
• One governor appointment.

The transit agency would own and operate the corridor and will be responsible for funding the Red Line’s design construction and operations, all funded by new sales tax.

The current Red Line plan shows the rail going to Mount Mourne – near Lowe’s corporate headquarters — but Iredell County and Mooresville have to approve. Charlotte will have to either purchase that part of the line from them or will have to lease it.

Next for Charlotte leaders to acquire access to O-line, on Sept. 3, City Council will vote on purchase and sale agreements and the comprehensive rail agreements. The deal would close on Sept. 9.

“We have a lot to figure out in a short amount of time,” said Councilman Tariq Bokhari.

McKinney said transportation needs in the 2030 Plan cost $19.4 billion over 30 years, with most of those funds — 49 percent — going to road-related improvements. Otherwise, 20 percent are for the bus system and 40 percent for rail.

“Without more funding, we can’t do rail projects,” he said. “To move forward on these big plans, funding is absolutely crucial.”

Some worry if they don’t take the risk now, they won’t have the opportunity again.

“I believe this council will leave a legacy of quality of life in our city because we are ready for this moment to finally make good on years of good work by many others,” said Mayor Vi Lyles.

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