CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The well-known trolley cars in parts of Charlotte are gone and in their place are buses.

  • The reason for the streetcar closure is to prepare for phase two of the CityLYNX Gold Line construction.
  • The buses still run every 15 minutes, are free and the stops are pretty much in the same area.
  • CATS said the new street car vehicles are expected to start running the middle of next year.

The reason for the streetcar closure is to prepare for phase two of the CityLYNX Gold Line construction.

The buses still run every 15 minutes, are free and the stops are pretty much in the same area.

They are also only temporary as construction starts to prepare for the new vehicles.

“Platforms are being raised so it will be level boarding,” said CATS Transit Manager David McDonald. “But they will see in the next week or two as we begin taking the glass out of the existing shelters.”

The city's three current trolley cars will be sold.

The new vehicles are similar to the light rail vehicles along the Blue Line except they are 18 feet shorter and have level boarding for people who are disabled.

CATS said the new street car vehicles are expected to start running the middle of next year.