The Charlotte Area Transit System passenger service on the long-awaited LYNX Blue Line Extension. Credit: PRNewsfoto/ CATS.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in the US has opened its passenger service on the LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE).

The 9.3 mile-long extension of the LYNX Blue Line nearly doubles the total length of the initial 9.6-mile light rail line that runs between 7th Street Station in Uptown and the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Charlotte campus.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Engineering group STV was responsible for carrying out planning of the final alignment of the extension, as well as providing all environmental assessments necessary to procure regulatory approvals for the $1.16bn project.

“It will be extremely gratifying to see how it will benefit the quality of life for those who live in the connecting neighbourhoods.”

It also designed all 11 stations and the 13 bridges on the route, in addition to supervising the design of three parking garages and one surface lot that will offer 3,000 new parking spaces.

STV senior vice-president Martin Boyle said: “This project has been more than a decade in the making and has involved so many people that have been dedicated to getting to this moment.

“It is extremely satisfying to see this through to completion and it will be even more gratifying to see how it will benefit the quality of life for those who live in the connecting neighbourhoods and the completion of the many opportunities for economic development along the alignment, which are already underway.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Passengers will be able to cover the length of the LYNX Blue Line extension in nearly 25 minutes, from the UNC Charlotte campus to Center City passing through University City, Newell, NoDa and Optimist Park along much of North Tryon Street and North Davidson Street.

The southern corridor of the LYNX Blue Line was launched in 2007 with 15 stations and seven parking facilities.