RAIL TRANSIT SAVES TAXPAYERS MONEY

Charlotte Light Rail Transit Project Data

Charlotte Light Rail Transit Project: Key Facts

NOTE: This data page is provided as a quick reference for planners, engineers, transit agency professionals, and others involved in the advocacy, planning, and development of rail transit systems. However, it must be recognized that, particularly with the rapid expansion and upgrading of transit systems, some important parameters and characteristics (such as ridership, route lengths, fleet sizes, etc.) are subject to frequent change. Thus, while we make every possible effort to keep information current, we recommend that the data provided for such items on this page be regarded as approximations. "If errors are detected, we will appreciate corrections and updates provided by readers, preferably with some substantiation. Please contact us at:
lightrailnow@lightrailnow.org.

Charlotte Light Rail Vehicle (Simulation)

(Graphic: CATS)

South Line (Starter Line) – Overview

· Transit agency: Charlotte Area Transit System
· Project route length: 9.6 miles (15.5 km) (April 2005)
· Number of stations: 15 (April 2005)
· Weekday ridership: 9,100 (initial year) (projection, 2005)
· Vehicle fleet size: 16, with option on additional 25
· Projected total cost: US $427 million (2005), or about $44 million per mile
· Projected startup of operations: 2007

Vehicles – Siemens (2004)

· Fleet size: 16 (April 2005)
· Width: 8.7 ft (2640 mm)
· Height: 12.1 ft (3670 mm)
· Length: 91.3 ft (27670 mm)
· Weight: 67,470 lb (44300 kg) empty, 133,970 lb (60895 kg) fully loaded
· Maximum operating speed: 55 mph (90 kph); capable of 65 mph (105 kph)
· Passenger capacity: 68 seated, 168 standing (nominal)
· Other features: 70% Low-floor vehicles for level boarding; fully bi-directional; capable or multiple-unit (MU) operation as 1, 2, or 3 car trains

Charlotte Light Rail Transit Starter Line Map

Light Rail Now! website
Updated 2005/04/23

Return to Charlotte Rail Transit Page

Return to NewsLog article Charlotte: Modern light rail project breaks ground, moves into major construction