On August 24th The Red Line Task Force approved several key policy recommendations which could lead to a work plan for commuter/freight rail to serve north Charlotte and the four Lake towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville.

Specifically, the recommendations, presented by Paul Morris of Greenleaf Strategies, call for an economic development focus for the commuter rail line, and not just transit ridership.  Further, a successful rail line offers dual benefits serving both transit riders and freight potential.

Also, the recommendations suggest a ‘unified’ approach to managing and funding the Red Line, rather than each municipality directly bearing its allocated costs.  According to officials, a unified approach is  much simpler to launch and has broader appeal to the bond market.

Finally, the proposed two county geography (Mecklenburg and Iredell) offers the potential of having the State of NC play an organizing/funding lead role in commuter rail both here and across the State.   Such an approach is  compatible with the State’s long term logistics, economic development, transportation and environmental plans.  The Red Line recommendations now go to the Metro Transit Commission for further review and discussion.