Riders get first impression of LYNX Blue Line Extension

CHARLOTTE, NC — The LYNX Blue Line Extension is finally complete after 10 years of planning and preparing. Riders are now getting the first impression of the project.

Saturday, the trains were packed with people who live in Charlotte and visitors from out of town enjoying St. Patrick’s Day events and the NCAA Tournament.

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There are eleven stops on the new 9.3-mile extension with plenty of points of interest along the way. Tickets are sold at a self-service kiosk at every stop.

On Saturday, Channel 9 witnessed multiple officers in the NoDa area patrolling stops to make sure everything was running smoothly on and off the light rail.

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“To have them around it makes you feel better,” first time rider, Kathleen Rice said. “It’s nice.”

“There’s so many different things we can enjoy without the struggle of finding somewhere to park,” first time rider, Adrian White said.

The city expects more than 25,000 riders daily. A day pass costs $6. If you get caught without a ticket it’s a $50 fine.

Most people think the price is reasonable, especially for young families.

“You can’t beat cheap! Especially when you have little ones who ride for free if they’re under 5,” White said.

Business owners are excited too – expecting the light rail extension to help business boom in the area.

“The Blue Line Extension has been good for the neighborhood because it’s bringing more people to NoDa,” Travis Bickford, owner of the Dog Bar said. “It’s going to be world changing for all the businesses in this neighborhood.”

The hours of operation for the Blue Line Extension varies.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF HOURS

Cox Media Group