Seeing Red

Heavy traffic is becoming a way of life for some Mecklenburg County residents. However, city leaders are proactive about combatting traffic and investing in public transit. Last month, Charlotte City Council voted 10-1 to buy nearly 22 miles of the O-Line railway from Norfolk Southern Corporation. How will the Red Line change commuting for workers in Mecklenburg County?

The newly purchased railway would offer almost 42 daily one-way commutes. Residents would have the option to live in Iredell County and work in Mecklenburg County without driving on the highway during rush hour or making the reverse commute. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) reports expected economic growth along the proposed track, which includes stops in Cornelius, Davidson, and Mooresville.

Most Charlotte residents might not know how long it takes to build public transportation. Charlotte officials began discussing the Red Line in 1998, long before some of the current City Council members were in office. It’s taken decades of discussions, but Charlotte leaders are committed to providing their community with a commuter train.   

Embracing change and transit discussions takes time. More public transit creates new development opportunities for local builders. Developers will be able to sit down with the CATS officials and discuss their thoughts on the proposed transit line. Working with the public allows transit officials to consider new ideas and collaborate with their community. Building the necessary housing near public transportation creates opportunities for residents to reconsider how often they will drive or need a car. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the Red Line.