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

CATS' LYNX BLUE LINE VEHICLE ENTERING CENTER
CITY ON FRIDAY
 
Charlotte, N.C., May 2, 2007- Workers and visitors will see something new in Center City Charlotte on Friday morning, May 4.  Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will be moving a LYNX Blue Line vehicle from the Charlotte Convention Center up to Seventh Street between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  Light rail crews are testing clearance of the overhead wires and track in preparation for turning on power to this portion of the line during the next week.

"CATS wants everyone to be informed and practice rail safety when approaching a railroad crossing intersection," Jim Zingale, CATS' Chief Operating Officer.   "It's important for the public to understand that trains will be moving up and down the light rail tracks anytime of the day and night.  Look, Listen and Live."

Trained personnel will be in place to provide traffic assistance at intersections.  Signalized rail crossing gates will soon be operational at intersections in Center City.

Other important testing dates are as follows:
 
May 4-5 Weekend testing in Center City from 7 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
May 10 Power turned on to Center City portion of rail line
May 18-20 Weekend testing in Center City from7 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
May 1-23 Testing from Stonewall to South Boulevard Vehicle Maintenance Facility 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.

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 by practicing the following:
•Only cross at designated crosswalks
•Do not stand on/near the tracks or step in front of a train
•Always stand behind the textured warning strips
•Never drive around lowered crossing gates
•Trespassing on tracks is unlawful
•Cross tracks straight on when riding a bicycle
•Trains always have the right-of-way
•Obey all traffic signs and signals
•Rail and recreation don't mix
•Keep away from all overhead wires that power trains

Each of the 16 light rail vehicles must have 1,000 miles of testing before being put into revenue service.  This means light rail vehicles will be going up and down the tracks during the morning, afternoon, evening and overnight. 

To learn more about CATS and rail safety, visit www.ridetransit.org.