The Charlotte region is forecasted to add over 1.6 million new residents by the year 2050. Access to reliable, efficient and well-connected transportation options is one of the most important factors to ensure that everyone can benefit. The GCLMPO will continue to promote an integrated local and regional public transit system.

LYNX Silverline

The LYNX Silver Line is a proposed 29-mile, 29 station light rail project from the City of Belmont in Gaston County, through Center City Charlotte and the Town of Matthews, into Union County. This is part of the CATS’ 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan, which will contribute significantly to the region’s mobility options.

Atlanta-Charlotte High Speed Rail Project

As part of the Atlanta to Charlotte Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan (PRCIP), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are conducting a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the extension of the Southeast High Speed Rail (SEHSR) Corridor from Charlotte, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia. The vision of the SEHSR Corridor is to develop an integrated passenger rail transportation solution for the Southeast, including proposed high-speed rail from Washington, DC through Richmond, VA, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, and from Charlotte to Atlanta, Georgia2. The proposed route is depicted below.

Commuter Rail Feasibility Study: Kings Mountain-Gastonia-Belmont-Charlotte

A study was completed in 2018 to determine the feasibility of implementing a new commuter rail service to connect Kings Mountain, Gastonia, and Belmont with Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and terminate at the new Charlotte Gateway Station. In concept, the commuter rail service would begin in Kings Mountain, pass through Bessemer City, provide a station stop in Gastonia, pass through Lowell, provide a station stop in Belmont, provide a station stop at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and terminate at the new Charlotte Gateway Station. The new service would provide an additional transportation connection between the rural communities west of Charlotte to job centers. 

Gaston Rapid Transit – Multimodal Transportation Site Selection Analysis

The Rapid Transit Alternatives Study included an evaluation of sites and recommendation for the location for a new multimodal transportation station. The modes served at the station would be local bus, intercity bus, bus rapid transit, vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and possibly light rail or commuter rail transit. The existing bus terminal, the Bradley Station, serves as the existing Gastonia Transit facility. It has a bus loop, a pavilion for waiting passengers, and park/ride spaces.

As part of the study, the City identified potential sites for a new multimodal station. The study included the recommendation of a preferred site, along with a conceptual site design.