Transportation

City, state take next step for future uptown transportation hub

Submitted by Nick Needham on Thursday, August 16th, 2:18 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- The state and the city of Charlotte are moving along with plans to build a new multi modal transportation center in uptown Charlotte within the next decade.

The N.C. Department of Transportation issued a request for qualifications Thursday from developers with experience in urban mixed-use projects to partner on the future Gateway Station district development in uptown.

The state wants to have all candidates for the project's master developer submit their qualifications by Sept. 21.

The station and its associated development will be built in Third Ward near Bank of America Stadium. The station will be along Trade Street at Graham and Fourth Street.

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Automakers working with first responders on vehicle safety

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012, 10:09am

Automakers working with first responders on vehicle safety

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- One of the best reasons to buy a new car are the safety improvements.

"They are just as safe as any other car," says Car Sales Manager Dominic Scruggs. "Actually in certain circumstances more safe because some of the certain compartments."

Multiple airbags, cutting edge technology and hybrid batteries are just some of the features attracting consumers to buy modern cars.

But those same safety features are complicating crash rescues for fire fighters who might have to cut you out of your car after a crash.

"A lot of the airbags have gas cylinders that actually cause the airbags to go off and if we go and cut into those then we basically create a kind of a missile with that gas cylinder," said Captain Rueben Fitzgerald of the Charlotte Fire Department.

New vehicles also have advanced steel that older tools can't cut through.

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CATS transportation fairs help you navigate uptown during DNC

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Monday, August 6th, 2012, 3:38pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- From September 3-5, CATS will operate the transportation center from a temporary location at the corner of South Mint and Third Streets.

From late July through August, CATS will conduct a series of transportation fairs in uptown buildings, at the current transportation center and at certain LYNX stations. Unless otherwise indicated, these fairs are open to the public.

Visitors will get information on how bus routes will be rerouted during the DNC and information on shuttles between the LYNX Blue Line Carson Station to the temporary transit center.

To learn where you can catch your favorite CATS bus or how to connect to LYNX during those days, plan on attending one of the transportation fairs listed below.

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Submitted by Donna Lepre on Tuesday, July 24th, 9:48 am

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CATS receives federal grant for hybrid buses

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012, 9:37am

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- The Charlotte Area Transit System just learned that it will receive $4 million from the Federal Transit Administration's FY2012 State of Good Repair Fund.

CATS will purchase six additional hybrid buses to add to the thirteen already in the fleet.

"This will allow CATS to replace older buses with newer, clean technology," said Larry Kopf, Chief Operations Planning Officer for CATS. "The additional hybrid technology buses that we will purchase with these funds help reduce emissions, save on fuel costs, extend the brake life and reduce long term maintenance costs."

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CATS Blue Line Extension enters final design

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012, 9:03am

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- The Charlotte Area Transit System has received approval from the Federal Transit Administration to enter Final Design for the 9.3-mile LYNX Blue Line Extension light rail project.

This allows the project to be developed from the 65 percent to the 100 percent design level and complete preparation of final construction plans, right-of-way acquisition, construction cost estimates, bid documents and utility relocation.

"Reaching this important milestone indicates the depth of support and commitment for the BLE among local, state and federal officials who have worked tirelessly for this project on behalf of our community," said CATS CEO Carolyn Flowers. "Today's announcement represents another positive step toward providing Charlotte residents and visitors with more affordable, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation options."

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Charlotte's light rail to run later on weekends

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Friday, June 22nd, 2012, 11:04am

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has heard your requests for more light rail service on the weekends.

Starting July 2, CATS will add an additional outbound trip on the LYNX Blue Line at 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.

"The additional trip will allow the LYNX schedule to better align with the bus service providing another alternative for passengers heading to and from Uptown for events, dining and other activities," says Rocky Paiano, General Manager Rail Operations.

The 99 North Meck Village Rider will now serve North Mecklenburg High School after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The route will travel from Hambright Road onto Old Statesville Road, then onto Alexanderana Road. The two evening trips will provide students with transportation options after school to get to jobs or connect to other CATS bus routes.

Some of the other upcoming changes beginning on Monday, July 2 include:

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