
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.