Wednesday, November 17, was a big day for transit in Charlotte.  Early on, US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and Chief Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff,  led a pro-LYNX System discussion, and good news about high speed rail (HSR).

Both Federal transportation leaders praised the LYNX/CATS/Charlotte/MTC contingent as being foresighted in planning and developing the South Blue line and for our vision to build a multimodal system. 

LaHood also said newly elected governors of two states, Ohio and Wisconsin, have said they can’t afford to do local match for their high speed rail allocation, and these funds could be available to be reallocated elsewhere—by implication, North Carolina.

LaHood and Rogoff urged the 100 plus in attendance and elected officials to ‘speak with one voice’ on transit matters, propose a solid plan and we will get a warm welcome at US DOT.  Strong words for people who control the Federal money for transportation.

Later in the day, CATS/MTC conducted a workshop on revising the 2030 Transit Plan.