North Carolina Continues Focus on Commuter Rail
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
North Carolina Railroad
CHARLOTTE -- As North Carolina continues to lead southeastern states in the provision of Amtrak and other rail service, Charlotte is looking to add a commuter line.
The Charlotte City Council recently made plans to purchase a Norfolk Southern line for a new commuter rail line. According to the City of Charlotte, “The Red Line is a 25-mile commuter rail project using the existing Norfolk Southern rail line. The Red Line would provide a regional connection between Uptown Charlotte and the downtowns of Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, extending into Mt. Mourne in Mooresville.
“Stations will function not only as park and rides but as integrated mobility hubs with bus services and first/last mile connections. Stations will also be incorporated into surrounding Transit-Oriented Developments.”
The line would initially run from uptown Charlotte to Davidson, N.C., and require an investment of $91 million. There is an opportunity for additional investment to take the line completely into Mount Mourne, which would require an additional investment of $17.75 million.
According to the Charlotte Area Transit System, “‘In 2013, Norfolk Southern changed its Passenger Rail Policy. Under the new policy’s requirements, the Red Line was not feasible on Norfolk Southern’s “O-Line”’, ‘which is the single-track rail line that runs through Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville.”‘
“In February 2019, the MTC approved a new Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the North Corridor. The LPA established a North Corridor public transportation strategy that included near-term Bus Rapid Transit on I-77 while continuing a long-term vision for the Red Line, future regional rapid transit and local mobility options. In September 2022, the MTC took action to amend the FY2023 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) to include funding to advance the Red Line Commuter Rail.
“On July 25, 2023, the City of Charlotte received a letter from Norfolk Southern stating that the railroad is willing to consider a possible transaction of the O Line. Norfolk Southern and the City are currently in good faith discussions about whether a potential transaction is reasonable at this time. On September 13, 2023, the Charlotte City Council approved the contract to advance the design of the Red Line.”
Route of Proposed Red Line Commuter Rail in Charlotte
