Frustrated Riders Packing Into Buses, As Crews Work To Fix The Lynx Blue Line

CHARLOTTE, NC. —  Frustrated riders packing into buses, as crews work to fix the Lynx Blue Line.

Falling trees caused by Tropical Storm Michael damaged overhead wires last week. Charlotte Area Transit says the light rail won’t be back to full service for more than a week.

An annoying setback for commuters, as hundreds waited to catch a bus Tuesday so they can get into Uptown, and beyond. A one-mile stretch is closed from the Scaleybark Station to the Sugar Creek Road Station.

Ray Garcia says picking up the bus at Scaleybark, took him almost an hour longer to get to work in Uptown, “The bus took a long time to get in there. I realized walking was faster.”

CATS says a tree fell during Tropical Storm Michael, damaging a piece of equipment on 12th Street that powers the trains.

“It be taking a long time to get downtown, like 45 minutes one day. I was late for work,” says commuter Tyana Baskins.

So what’s the hold up? CATS says its working to repair the wire that powers the train, along with poles, brackets, and insulators.

Some commuters are calling rideshare services to avoid being late.

A CATS spokesperson says the Light Rail should be back to full service on October 25th. Officials say it’s taking so long because they want to make sure repairs are done accurately and safely.