On June 22, 2015, Charlotte City Council approved a contract amendment for $7.7 million to advance Phase 2 of the CityLYNX Gold Line Project to 100% design.
“This is an important step on Charlotte Area Transit System completing the Small Starts Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration that will advance the project to full implementation, keeping the project on schedule for a 2016 construction start and a 2019 opening,” the agency said.
President Barack Obama’s recommended FY2016 budget includes $75 million for Phase 2, which is one-half of the project’s budget. Charlotte City Council previously approved $75 million for the local share of the project cost.
The CityLYNX Gold Line Phase 2 Project will extend the CityLYNX Gold Line Phase 1 Project by 2.5 miles, add 11 new stops and replace the Gomaco replica trolley vehicles being used on Phase 1 with modern streetcar vehicles.
“The CityLYNX Gold Line is a catalyst for economic development along the line that will create jobs and connect citizens to small businesses. The 10-mile streetcar system will serve as an integral part of a multimodal transit system that links bus and rail service in Charlotte’s central business district connecting riders to higher education, employment centers, world-class medical facilities and arts and entertainment venues,” Charlotte City Council said.