Red Line Rail System Sees New Momentum

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — There's new momentum in the push to bring the Red Line commuter rail system to Charlotte.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has hired a national transit financing expert to study the economic development possibilities that could result from the line, which is a 25-mile rail system that would run from Charlotte through the centers of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville. It would be on existing tracks owned by Norfolk Southern.

So far, the study has found that the Red Line would be a success. Paul Morris, a transit expert from Greenleaf Strategies who is heading the study, said there are a number of reasons why it could work, including the fact that the income along the North Corridor is at or above the median income level for Mecklenburg and Iredell counties. That's proven to be a necessary component of commuter rail success in other parts of the country, he said.

The area also has diverse businesses, and the line would run through desirable locations, including Davidson College and Lake Norman.

The high cost of fuel has also prompted more businesses to look into the possibility of using railways, and all major local leaders involved are on board with the project.

Some residents who have wanted the line to be funded for years said they were happy to hear new, positive developments.

"I'm a huge fan of public transportation. The less I have to drive, the better," one driver said.

The study also looks at how to fund the $350 million project.

"It's very important that we think outside the current box about the thinking that has involved federal, state and local funding," said John Woods, the mayor of Davidson and chairman of the Red Line Task Force. The study recommends looking at other options, including the possibility of private companies helping to foot the bill.

The plan is for each stop along the Red Line to be developed into mixed-use spaces with businesses, shops and residential areas. Some developments are already starting to be built.

It should take three to six months to finish the study. Local mayors said they hope once it is complete, more companies and governments will jump on board with the project so that it could be in operation by 2013.

WSOC