2019 Charlotte NC public transportation

Charlotte's Light Rail train

I had someone to tell me that I blessed them by sharing the truth about Charlotte's lack of public transportation. The individual was new to the area and could not figure out why so many were struggling with transportation.

First of all, let's start with the lack of a train system in Charlotte.  The NBA All Stars game Event is in Charlotte, NC this week.  In many major cities, when a flight arrives at the airport, the passenger can then hop onto a train system that is attached to the airport and ride it to the stop closest to their hotel.  Rental cars become less necessary when one's hotel is near a transit stop.

Well, Charlotte has a single train system that travels around in a circle from South Charlotte to University of NC at Charlotte.  There is no N-train, no S-train. And if the light rail needs major maintenance, then it is literally shutdown. People are then forced to use the bus system exclusively. 

And how about those bus services? The Charlotte bus system changes routes and drivers about every three to four months.  So for anyone to base housing or a job on a bus route in Charlotte, NC would be risky. Times or routes could change in the not so distant future.  Also, bus frequency averages every thirty minutes versus every five minutes in a major city.

Frankfurt, Germany

Major cities in the USA (like Boston, MA and Manhattan, NY) as well as abroad, have underground train systems built into the city.  The city then continues building structures around the train system.  An efficient and vast train system drives foot traffic.  Foot traffic drives business.

Tokyo Japan train

Charlotte is one of the largest cities in North Carolina, and with an average housing rental rate of $1200 a month, a vast public transportation system is needed to offset personal vehicles and traffic jams.

Yet, I see skyscrapers and buildings going up everywhere without any underground infrastructure going in.  I see more train tracks being laid down the streets.  Sadly, I don't see Charlotte, NC ever being able to meet the public transportation needs of a major city.  They are not laying the foundation to move massive amounts of people efficiently.  It will forever be a small town with a lot of people in it.