LYNX Gold Line now open between uptown, Elizabeth

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By Trish Williford

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After years of debate, construction and millions of dollars spent, passengers were finally able to climb aboard the new streetcar Tuesday -- traveling between Elizabeth and uptown Charlotte.

The streetcar, which is free to use, travels for 1.5 miles and has six stops along the way – one of them connecting to the LYNX Blue Line.

  • PRESS PLAY Streetcar arrives in uptown:

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It runs from the Charlotte Transportation Center on Trade Street to Novant Hospital at Hawthorne Lane and Fifth Street.

This initial phase cost $37 million, with phase two expected to start later this year. That phase will extend the Gold Line 2.5 miles on either side.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"width="300"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/charlotte?src=hash">#charlotte</a> new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/streetcar?src=hash">#streetcar</a> moves into position for the ribbon cutting today. <a href="https://twitter.com/wsoctv">@wsoctv</a> <a href="http://t.co/zWzvcIytI1">pic.twitter.com/zWzvcIytI1</a></p>&mdash; Andrew (@ajpWSOC9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajpWSOC9/status/620928646774173696"></a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The goal of the streetcar is to better connect neighborhoods and encourage people to travel to and from Center City.

City leaders think this is just beginning for the Gold Line and the development it could bring to the city.

Channel 9 learned that Grubb Properties is planning to build 550 new apartments on Torrence Street, which is along the new route.

[ IMAGES: Charlotte streetcar: Financial boom or bust? ]

But drivers say parking along Elizabeth Avenue was already a big hassle because of the limited spaces. Some drivers are noticing new signs that could force them to pay big if they cross a little white line.

The new Lynx Gold Line streetcar officially hit the streets of uptown and Elizabeth Tuesday.

Several passengers lined up just before 1 p.m. to be among the first to take a ride.

"It's great to photograph and I love photography," says Ken McCall, a rider.

But for those hoping to park along Elizabeth Avenue Tuesday, things were a bit of a hassle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"width="300"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/behindthescenes?src=hash">#behindthescenes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StephanieWSOC9">@StephanieWSOC9</a> Previews the first day of the Gold Line Streetcar <a href="https://twitter.com/wsoctv">@wsoctv</a> <a href="http://t.co/bBvqoO9Z3Z">pic.twitter.com/bBvqoO9Z3Z</a></p>&mdash; Andrew (@ajpWSOC9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajpWSOC9/status/620894344397111296"></a></blockquote>
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Many drivers tried to squeeze behind a little white line now painted along several parking spaces.

“I think it’s going to take a while for people to get used to. I’ve seen a couple of cars not quite in their position they're supposed to be in,” says McCall.

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"If you park down there you'll get towed, and if you park over here you get towed," says Sheila Wilson, a driver.

Wilson drives to Elizabeth at least three times a week to eat at her favorite restaurant.

She just noticed the new signs warning drivers to steer clear of the white line or get towed.

"It's kinda tough for people who you know are just trying to patronize around here," she says.

Channel 9 checked and didn't see any extra patrols or tow trucks in the area Tuesday. But officials say they're coming.

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