Madison Park

LOOK! LISTEN! LIVE! CAT's LINE TESTING

Watch for rail Crossing Gates Going up Soon on South Blvd.

Look! Listen! Live! near CATS’ LYNX Blue Line


It has been several decades since commuters have seen passenger trains running daily on Charlotte’s city streets. That’s all about to change very soon as the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) gets ready to begin testing the first light rail car for the LYNX Blue Line.

Testing along the LYNX Blue Line will begin the week of August 21 from Clanton Road to Tremont Road. Light rail vehicles will be going up and down the test tracks during the morning, afternoon, evening and overnight since every light rail vehicle must have 1,000 miles of testing before being put into revenue service according to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).



“It’s very important for commuters to understand that trains will be moving up and down these tracks and to follow the rules of rail safety when approaching railroad crossing intersections,” Jim Zingale, CATS’ Chief Operating Officer. “The wires overhead that operate the trains also will be live at all times.”
Signalized rail crossing gates will be in place at intersections along the test section of the light rail track. Trained officers will also provide assistance at intersections to assist with vehicle and pedestrian traffic as needed. CATS has put up billboards around Charlotte and is sending direct mail to citizens and businesses near the rail line notifying the community that portions of the LYNX Blue Line will soon be active.



“A light rail train going 55 miles per hour could take at least the length of two football fields to stop,” said Zingale. “Never try to beat the rail crossing arms because a train cannot swerve to avoid you. It is not worth putting yourself or your family in harm’s way.” CATS LYNX Blue Line rail vehicles can hold up to 236 passengers and can weigh 67 tons when fully loaded.

Light rail in Charlotte is new for everyone, from residents to visitors. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and CATS’ top priority. Always LOOK, LISTEN and LIVE when near railroad tracks. To learn more