IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jean Leier (704) 432-0496         

COMMUNITY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PLANNING PROCESS OF THE LYNX BLUE LINE EXTENSION

Charlotte, N.C., February 28, 2008 -The LYNX Blue Line Extension that that is proposed to run from Ninth Street in Center City to I-485 in Northeast Charlotte is beginning preliminary engineering and the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) wants to keep you informed of its progress every step of the way.  Join us for two public meetings next week to learn more about what is involved in the engineering process and the benefits and complexities of this project.

This 11-mile extension of the LYNX Blue Line includes 14 transit stations, some of which will feature park and ride lots.  During the initial engineering work, CATS will review two design options for the line in the Sugar Creek Road area.  The preferred alternative is the existing North Carolina Railroad right-of-way where the route would bridge over Sugar Creek Road and enter North Tryon Street at Old Concord Road.  The  other option involves running the alignment along the edge of the Asian Corners shopping center and entering North Tryon Street just north of Sugar Creek Road.  The line would then continue on North Tryon Street through the Unversity of North Carolina at Charlotte campus and end near I-485.

"The LYNX Blue Line Extension will provide a seamless 20-mile connection for commuters from the south end of Charlotte to the northern side," said Danny Rogers, CATS'  Senior Project Manager.  "This additional rapid transit line will provide even more living and mobility options for residents, giving them a choice of how they want to live, work and play."
Meeting times and locations are as follows:

March 3
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 West Sugar Creek Road
Fellowship Hall
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

March 4
University Place Hilton
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Harris Room
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
 
*Please note that the same information will be presented at both meetings.

To learn more about CATS and rapid transit planning call (704) 336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

With 63,000 daily commuters, expanded services, improved bus shelters, new transit centers and services for the disabled, transit is attracting more and more people to get out of their cars and ride CATS. These are just a few of the ways CATS keeps the whole Charlotte region moving forward.  For more information on commuting choices, visit ridetransit.org.