Where Rail Succeeds and Where It Doesn't

This article analyzes two different rail transit projects in neighboring jurisdictions with two different outcomes. In fall of 2007, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will open the LYNX Blue Line, a 15-station, 10-mile light-rail service. Other projects are also in consideration. By contrast, 140 miles to the northeast, in the Raleigh-Durham area, the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) is back to the drawing boards after its rail transit plans were rejected for federal matching funds. Both areas are compared for their similarities and differences. A major consideration is land use patterns favoring rail transit and ownership patterns of freight lines that might occupy the same rights-of-way and even, in some cases, travel over the same tracks. Zoning moves, financial packages and the concentrated political structure favored Charlotte. As did strong business backing. Raleigh-Durham had to serve a more diverse constituency, spread over a wider area and whose members were less likely to benefit from the project. Details about the history of both projects are given.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32522860
• Authors:
  • Robl, Ernst H
• Publication Date: 2007-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Illustrations; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 16-20
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 1098-0083
  • Serial URL: http://www.metro-magazine.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Diesel multiple unit cars; Financing; Land use; Light rail transit; Rail transit; Trolley cars
• Identifier Terms: Charlotte Area Transit System; Triangle Transit Authority
• Geographic Terms: Charlotte (North Carolina); Durham (North Carolina); Raleigh (North Carolina); The Triangle (North Carolina)
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01054583
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 16 2007 11:50AM