CATS is announcing the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar will open for passenger service on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. The streetcar will operate every 20 minutes from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. The service will be fare-free until January 2022.
From August 23 to 29, CATS will continue testing streetcars on the alignment from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m., simulating passenger service.
The Phase 2 project extended the existing streetcar tracks by 2.5 miles on the east and west ends of the line, connecting the Historic West End to the Elizabeth neighborhood through uptown Charlotte.
With the opening of the line, CATS will operate a fleet of five modern street vehicles. Designed with Siemens hybrid technology, the street vehicles will operate off-wire through the heart of uptown, maintaining a catenary-free zone.
CATS is urging those who drive, walk, bike or live near the streetcar alignment to become familiar with the rules of streetcar safety. While in service, the streetcar will continue to utilize horns and bells to communicate with pedestrians and motorists. Motorists should obey all parking signage.
Over the next several months, the project contractor will continue to complete punch list items including roadway and sidewalk work. The punch list work isn't anticipated to impact streetcar operation.
For questions, riders can contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-7433 (RIDE).
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