The inner portion of the LYNX Blue Line is built
along an abandoned Norfolk Southern right of way acquired by the
city of Charlotte in the 1980s. Much of the outer portion, such as
this stretch near the Tyvola station, is constructed parallel to
still-active freight rails. At four stations, Tyvola,
Archdale, Woodlawn and Arrowood, overpasses take light rail over
city streets and in this case, also over a diverging freight
route. There are a fair number of grade crossings along the
surface sections of the transit line.
All the stations on the outer portion of the route have free
park-and-ride lots adjacent to them.
The regular fare to ride the line is $1.30, with all-day passes
available for four dollars. The system utilizes the typical
fare machine system, with tickets dispensed at units on the station
platforms, and proof of payment required for
valid entry.
CATS service territory includes Mecklenburg County and beyond.
An ambitious public transportation plan envisions addition LYNX
light rail routes, and a northern extension to the Blue Line, as
well as commuter rail and new streetcar routes.
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