As CATS emphasizes bus improvements, Matthews leaders remain upset over Silver Line plans
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Matthews leaders are still criticizing Charlotte Area Transit System plans as the usage of funding from a proposed sales tax is being finalized.
The CATS 30-year plan calls for using a one-cent sales tax that – if state legislators allow – will be on November's ballot. It would fund road improvements and expansions of bus and rail service — including the Red Line linking uptown through north Mecklenburg County.
At Wednesday night's Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting, CATS leaders emphasized the importance of its Better Bus program being just as valuable as any rail plans.
Mecklenburg County leaders discuss transportation improvements and possible expansions
'Better Bus is just as important as rapid transit corridors,' explained CATS Interim CEO Brett Cagle.
But Matthews Mayor John Higdon is unhappy that there's no definite funding for extending the Silver Line rail to his town. Current recommendations would take it from the Charlotte airport to the area of Bojangles Coliseum.
'I'm incredibly frustrated, since every town in the county is getting what they want except for Matthews, everybody else is fat and happy. And that's not right,' he said.
Other leaders say that Silver Line money could come at the expense of bus service improvements.
Voters will have a say in potential one-cent sales tax to fund Mecklenburg County transportation projects
'Without a guaranteed percentage of the tax going to the bus program, it's going to be tough, and it's just not the right thing to do,' Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam said.
Commission members voted down Higdon's motion to rethink how the transit plan would divide up money from the sales tax.
'As we think about implementing rapid transit corridors, knowing we don't have resources at this time to address all corridors all at once, CATS continues to study options to extend options for Silver Line East,' Cagle said.
CATS is partnering with the PGA to provide fare-free rides for people who are carrying a ticket to the PGA Championship May 12-18. There will be a shuttle from the Sharon Road West light rail station to Quail Hollow.
Cagle said the woman struck by a Blue Line train in March is 'OK.' He emphasized the operator was not at fault and praised first responders at the scene.
Blue Line ridership was up 14 percent in March, compared to the previous year, and Gold Line ridership was up 37.2 percent.
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