Plans & Projects

The long-range rapid transit corridor plan consists of multiple rapid transit improvements in five transportation and growth corridors in Mecklenburg County. The transit corridors connect residents to jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare and other essential services.

CATS implemented its first rail line with the opening of the Blue Line light rail service in the South Corridor in 2007. In March 2018, the Blue Line Extension opened to serve the Northeast Corridor. In 2015, CATS opened the first phase of the Gold Line streetcar service, and Phase 2 of the Gold Line streetcar opened in 2021.
In May 2025, the MTC adopted an updated Transit System Plan, which includes the Rapid Transit Corridor System. The adopted Locally Preferred Alternatives (alignment and stations) for each corridor are:

• Red Line: 25-mile commuter rail line from Charlotte Gateway Station to Mt. Mourne in Mooresville.
• Silver Line: 29-mile light rail line connecting the West corridor from Belmont to the Airport and Center City Charlotte, and the Southeast from Center City Charlotte to Matthews and Indian Trail.
• Gold Line Extension: 6-mile extension of the existing streetcar line two miles to the West to Rosa Parks Place and four miles to the east to Eastland.
• Blue Line Extension: 5-mile extension of the existing Blue Line light rail line from I-485 / South Blvd to Ballantyne.

As part of the Transit System Plan update, the MTC also adopted a financially constrained implementation plan for the corridors.  Based on projected available funding, this phased implementation plan identified a Minimum Operating Segment (MOS) for two of the corridors, Silver Line and Blue Line Extension.

• Silver Line MOS - from the Airport to Coliseum/Ovens.
• Blue Line Extension MOS – from I-485/South Blvd to Carolina Place (Pineville)
• Future extensions of light rail for Silver Line west to I-485 and east to Matthews and Blue Line to Ballantyne would be considered as funding allows, with enhanced bus implemented in the interim.

CATS continues to advance planning and design in the remaining transit corridors. As each corridor advances further in design, additional refinements to the alignment and station locations continue to be approved by the MTC. Additional detailed information can be found on each project page. 

Better Bus builds on recommendations from the Envision My Ride: Bus Priority Study and moves towards prioritizing near-term service improvements. The goal is to actively improve bus services for everyone, especially in areas that need them most. Better Bus was integrated into the adopted 2055 Transit System Plan, as the foundation for the future of transit services in the greater Charlotte area.

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The Section 5310 Program, administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), provides funding to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. It supports projects such as accessible transportation services, volunteer driver programs, and mobility management initiatives.

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Since the opening of the Blue Line in 2007, the South End area of Charlotte has experienced exponential growth and need for accessible transit is apparent. CATS is planning to construct a new infill station between the New Bern and East/West stations to provide additional transit access as well as a way for pedestrians to safely cross the Blue Line tracks in this area.

South End Station Project : Find Out More Here

The Blue Line Extension to Pineville and Ballantyne is a proposed extension of light rail service from the existing terminus of the Blue Line at I-485/South Boulevard.

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• The Red Line is a 25-mile commuter rail project using the existing Norfolk Southern rail line.
• CATS has begun a Red Line Design Update that will focus on all the changes that the corridor has gone through since the previous Red Line design was completed in 2009.
• This first phase of design will focus on public outreach, updating the grade crossings and track design, examining options a new vehicle maintenance facility, reevaluating vehicle technologies and service levels, confirming station locations and analyzing new alignment options into Center City.

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The Hambright Park and Ride is a key development in enhancing the public transportation infrastructure in Huntersville, NC. This project aims to create a modern mobility hub that integrates seamlessly with I-77 Express Bus services, providing efficient and reliable transit options for commuters. Located on the south side of Hambright Road, this facility will offer over 500 parking spaces, along with a range of amenities designed to improve the overall commuting experience.

Hambright Park and Ride

The Gold Line is a 10-mile (37 stop) streetcar system that is an integral part of the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan and is being built in phases. The full streetcar line will connect all current and future rapid transit lines, including the Blue Line light rail, Silver Line light rail, Red Line commuter rail and provide a critical connection to the future Charlotte Gateway District and Multimodal Station. 

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The Silver Line is a planned 29-mile, 30 station light rail alignment from the City of Belmont in Gaston County, through Center City Charlotte and the Town of Matthews in Mecklenburg County, and into Stallings and Indian Trail in Union County.

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The Charlotte Gateway Station (CGS) will be a comprehensive multi-modal transportation facility in vibrant uptown Charlotte at the intersection of West Trade and Graham Streets. This signature passenger station will provide both long-distance travelers and daily-commuters with greater accessibility to regional connections as well as to Charlotte's thriving employment, entertainment and cultural centers.

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CATS is planning to make improvements to the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) to improve the customer experience. More information coming soon.

Land Development
Development adjacent to a CATS Transit Corridor requiring air rights, use, or access to the Transit corridor must apply for agreement(s) from CATS.

Transit-Oriented Development
CATS has a long history of integrating land use and transit planning, since the 2025 Integrated Transit/Land-Use Plan was created in 1998.  As a transit agency, CATS is committed to improving transit access for residents and visitors.  Transit-oriented Development improves connectivity and accessibility by creating walkable, high-intensity mixed use development along transit corridors. 

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