CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte's mayor is expressing renewed optimism that CATS' Red Line commuter rail line will come to fruition.
The line, which has been discussed for more than 20 years, would stretch from Uptown to Mooresville.
"Here we are decades later talking about this, so I am enthusiastic about the concept that we can make this happen this time," Mayor Vi Lyles said on WCNC's Flashpoint.
The mayor said recent talks with mayors in northern Mecklenburg County and Norfolk-Southern have been productive. This week, CATS also held its first public meeting about updates to the Red Line design.
"Those discussions and a lot of our public meetings are about what can we do to make sure that the track works for everyone," Lyles said.
But without a funding mechanism, the Red Line and much of the city's $13 billion transit plan remains stalled.
A sales tax increase would require approval of the N.C. General Assembly before a referendum would go before voters. State lawmakers have appeared skeptical of the plan in the past.
"If we get the opportunity from the legislature to have a referendum, I think it'll take a little bit more time than a year," Lyles said.
At their April 1 meeting, some city council members suggested getting the referendum on the 2025 ballot, but Lyles cautions people to manage expectations.
"I can't estimate what government works," she said. "But most people would tell you that if it takes a year in the private sector, it takes a little bit longer in the governmental sector."
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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