Commission Delays Vote On Mass Transit In Southeast Charlotte

Members of the Metropolitan Transit Commission decided to postpone a decision on what kind of transportation to use in Charlotte's southeast corridor Wednesday night.

They had a choice between bus rapid transit and light rail, and decided to postpone their vote for five years. City staff recommended bus rapid transit, saying it would provide better service to that area, but many people who live in that part of Mecklenburg County disagree. They were at the meeting, and say light rail along the Independence Boulevard corridor would help businesses along the line.

Members of the commission say putting off a final decision was a compromise, because voting on bus rapid transit now would kill the possibility of light rail later.

People at the meeting hope the light rail line under construction in Charlotte's south corridor will show what light rail can do, and hope in five years that will be another selling factor in getting the commission on board for the light rail plan.