Mecklenburg unveils ambitious transit plan amid Matthews pushback

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — The Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) has approved an updated long-term transit plan that promises to reshape how people move across Mecklenburg County. 

The ambitious proposal includes major light rail expansions and a significant investment in improving bus service. But while many officials are praising the plan, others — especially leaders in Matthews — are raising concerns.

“This is an important step to fulfilling our shared vision for the future of mobility for Mecklenburg County,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said during Tuesday’s vote.

The updated transit plan includes extensions of several rail lines:

• The Red Line will run north through Huntersville and into Mount Mourne in Iredell County.

• The Silver Line will reach Indian Trail and run within a mile of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

• The Gold Line will extend east to the Eastland Community Center.

• The Blue Line will be extended south to Carolina Place Mall.

But one area noticeably left out of the rail expansion is Matthews, a decision that has sparked strong criticism from town officials.

“There has been absolutely zero attempts made to compromise with Matthews in any way, whatsoever in these plans,” Matthews Mayor John Higdon said. “Under this plan, Matthews light rail passengers will need to travel 7 miles just to reach a station.”

Higdon called the plan inequitable and questioned why communities in another county would receive service while Matthews, which was included in earlier drafts, was cut out.

“Everyone in Mecklenburg County should be outraged,” he said. “This plan neglects to bring rail to east Charlotte or Matthews, yet delivers it to another county. I do not wish to pay the highest local sales tax in North Carolina and one of the highest in the United States for that outcome.”

In addition to rail expansion, the transit plan heavily prioritizes CATS’ “Better Bus” initiative, which would modernize the region’s bus system. The plan includes expanded routes, increased frequency, micro-transit options and infrastructure upgrades.

“This bus program is not the one you know,” Mecklenburg County Commissioner Leigh Altman said. “It will expand service to 450,000 residents across the county.”

Altman said buses would provide the first visible changes for riders, offering “immediate relief” for residents without access to reliable transportation.

Some residents support the plan, especially those frustrated by traffic congestion in the northern part of the county.

“I think it’s great and will benefit a lot,” Fabio Bandanea, a resident of Cornelius, said. “There’s a lot of traffic on I-77. I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Others hope it will bring transportation access to communities outside the Uptown and South End cores.

“I think it’s a great thing — making transportation more accessible for places that aren’t South End or Uptown,” South End resident Ryan Grimaldi said. 

The next step in the process is approval from the North Carolina General Assembly. If state lawmakers give the green light, the plan will be placed on the ballot this fall for voters to decide.

Contact Walker Lawson at wlawson@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. 

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