Charlotte streetcar ridership higher than expected

Average weekday ridership along the Charlotte Area Transit System's (CATS) new streetcar line came in at 1,507 passengers, which was 67 percent higher than expected for the first two weeks of operations, agency officials announced Tuesday.

Known as the CityLYNX Gold Line, the streetcar route was initially estimated to facilitate 900 passenger trips per month.

Early reviews of August data show a similar figure for average weekday ridership, CATS officials said.

"Exceeding initial ridership projections demonstrates the public’s continued embracement of rail transit and their support for more transportation choices," said John Muth, the agency's interim chief executive officer. "Charlotte is a vibrant, growing city. Investment in public transportation choices continues to generate benefits for the community and improve the quality of life of Charlotteans."

The route, which opened July 14, provides a link to jobs, recreation, health care and other morse of transportation, CATS officials added.

Follow this link to read Progressive Railroading's July feature on the ways that streetcar systems can impact transit-oriented development.