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More trains – but only if the referendum passes

Map of existing, proposed (would be funded by referendum), and future (would require another funding source) train lines and stops in Mecklenburg County.

 

Voters in Mecklenburg County have a historic opportunity to approve a 1 % sales-tax dedicated to transportation infrastructure that will fund roads, buses, and critical rail expansion across our region. 

Up to 40 % of the revenue from this referendum will be used to support new rail construction.

Why does this matter? 

Because rail projects offer us a chance to connect communities, reduce congestion, cut commute times, and expand access to opportunity. As our region grows rapidly, we need more than car-focused fixes. Smart rail investments help everyone who lives, works, or travels here. 

The rail investments will be coordinated with bus frequency improvements, addition of microtransit zones, and investments in complete streets to build a safe and connected transportation network countywide. 

Map of existing, proposed (would be funded by referendum), and future (would require another funding source) train lines and stops in Mecklenburg County (image: meckconnect.com).

Here’s a look at the four major rail-corridor projects that the funding would help advance:

The Red Line

This commuter rail line will run from Uptown Charlotte north through Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson, using an existing Norfolk Southern rail alignment.

Why it matters

  • It offers an alternative to crowded roads and the I-77 express lanes, especially for North Mecklenburg commuters.
  • It unlocks transit-oriented development in fast-growing suburban towns.
  • It links communities to jobs and Uptown without relying solely on cars.

The Gold Line Extension

Already in operation in its first two phases, the Gold Line is a streetcar system that will be extended both west to Rosa Parks Place and east to Eastland. 

 Why it matters:

  • It stitches together Uptown with neighborhoods historically underserved by rapid transit, enhancing equity of access.
  • Streetcar service promotes walkable, vibrant corridors with businesses, housing and jobs.
  • It plays a linking role: the Gold Line connects to future rail corridors, bus routes, and to the future intermodal hub at Charlotte Gateway Station in Uptown.

The Blue Line Extension to Pineville

The existing Blue Line light rail has already proven successful, and the plan calls for extending the line from I-485/South Boulevard down to Carolina Place/Pineville.

Why it matters:

  • South Charlotte and Pineville are large employment and residential hubs. Extending rail here strengthens transit access and reduces car dependency.
  • It builds on an already-operating line, leveraging existing infrastructure and rider base.

The Silver Line

This is the east-west light-rail corridor: running from the airport (west) through Uptown to the Coliseum, with potential future extension to Matthews (if additional funding becomes available). 

Why it matters:

  • Connecting west and east Charlotte, the airport, Uptown and beyond will reshape how we move goods, people and ideas across the region.
  • It lays the groundwork for long-term economic mobility. While th lie completion of the full Silver Line from Coliseum easterward to Matthews still faces a longer timeline, the sales tax is the key missing lever to get the project started. By voting “yes”, we set the foundation for this future corridor.

Why your vote matters

  • We won’t be able to build any new train lines without it. With 40% of the referendum revenue earmarked for trains, we move beyond talking about rail to actually funding it. 
  • It’s equitable and essential for economic mobility. Better transit means better access to jobs, education, and services for people who are unable to drive or want alternatives.
  • It’s vital to our health and well-being. Trains allow us to have cleaner air and water by cutting our reliance on cars and trucks, which are the largest source of air, water, and climate pollution in Mecklenburg County.
  • The timing is critical. With so many residents moving here and traffic growing, doing nothing means getting further behind. This referendum gives us the chance to lead rather than react.

The upcoming transportation sales tax referendum is about building the kind of transit system we’ll be proud of for decades. This is our chance to vote for more than just mobility. We’re voting for opportunity, access, and healthy.

If you care about the future of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, about where our kids and older adults work and live, about how we get around our region sustainably and equitably – then vote YES on the referendum NOW through November 4.  

Find an early voting site here.

And between Oct 28 and Nov 4, Lime is offering two free 30-minute rides with the code VOTE2025 to help you get there!