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Blue Line Extension riders say they avoid using parking decks due to fees

By Mark Barber
By Mark Barber

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When the Blue Line Extension opened in University City in the spring, the Charlotte Area Transit System said it would open up new opportunities for neighbors.

The one difference from the existing portion of the Blue Line in south Charlotte was CATS started charging for two new parking garages in University City.

[RELATED: Riders get first impression of LYNX Blue Line Extension]

Channel 9 discovered those fees are making it harder for residents to use the rail, and some worry the parking decks are wasting space.

When Channel 9's Mark Barber checked out the garages on Friday morning he saw hundreds of empty spaces. Entire floors in the parking decks were empty.

Rider Barry Luke said, "I'm not going to park there because it costs too much money."

Luke is a landscaper. He rides the bus to his light rail stop, because he can't afford the $10 parking fee.

Isaiah McBridge told Channel 9 he gets dropped off at the station by a friend to avoid the fee.

"I got a fast-food job. We pay our way to get to work. We find our own way home," he said.

[RELATED: New Blue Line Extension causes confusion at light rail crossings]

CATS doesn't charge for parking anywhere else on the Blue Line, but it does charge for the two decks on JW Clay Boulevard and University City Boulevard because it worries UNC Charlotte students will take over the deck.

Reporter Mark Barber discovered there are more than 2,300 spaces between the two decks, but only 684 spaces --- or 30 percent of them --- are actually being used.

The one and only free parking deck along the Blue Line Extension is in NoDa but only one in six spaces is being used there. The low numbers at the free deck are attributed to bridge construction that has shut down practically every road in the area.

Since struggling families want to use the garages in University City but can't pay parking fees, Channel 9 asked CATS if it would consider making the garages free.

In response, CATS said, "There are currently no plans to make any changes to that system."

McBride said, "That just doesn't make sense."

Rider Yasmine Aljuwani added, "I would appreciate more lunch money."

[RELATED: UNCC police prepare for opening of Blue Line extension]

Drivers said if CATS is going to keep taking their money, they want to know how that money is being used. We asked CATS and officials said all the money they make off the decks will help cover their operating expenses.

There is a way to use those two decks for free but you have to pay for a daily, weekly or monthly pass on the light rail.

Many of the people who are worried about the parking fees buy the cheaper round-trip tickets for $4.40.

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