Much Anticipated Extension Of The Gold Line Streetcar Is Officially Up And Running

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The new city LYNX Gold Line extension is up and running after three years of waiting and residents say they’re excited to take a ride.

The much anticipated extension of the Gold Line Streetcar is here.  Plaza Midwood resident, Ellen McLean, says she began to wonder when she’d be able to take her kids for a ride.

“We used to ride the old trolley and loved it.  We’ve been watching it’s progress waiting for Hawthorne to open and I am loving the connection,” says McLean.

Construction on Phase Two of the $150M project began in 2017.  It extends the Gold Line by two and a half miles, connecting the Historic West End to the Elizabeth Neighborhood through Uptown Charlotte with 11 new stops.

The line has five hybrid streetcars.  John Lewis, CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System, says although the project faced a few delays, it’s worth the wait.

“When you build a train line, when you build a train station.  It’s permanent.  It cannot be changed like a bus line.  It adds momentum and cohesiveness to a neighborhood,” says Lewis.

Lewis hopes the streetcar will provide much needed transportation for residents on the west side.  The Gold Line operates every 20 minutes from 5am to 2am each day.  Rides are free until January and masks are required.  Capacity is currently at 56 seats and 199 standing passengers.