Mass Transit in Southern Metros

The rapid and relatively recent growth in the size of Southern metros has made mass transit an important issue across the region. Attempts at building mass transit networks, particularly light rail systems, are complicated, expensive undertakings that typically raise sticky questions around sustainable development, public finance, community building, and intergovernmental relations.

A story in today's issue of the News & Observer of Raleigh compares the experiences of North Carolina's two largest metros, Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, in building light rail systems. Despite years of planning, Raleigh-Durham's system appears stopped in its tracks now that it is clear that federal funding for the project will not be available. In contrast, Charlotte's first train line is under construction and slated to open in 2007.

The story attributes Charlotte's success to a variety of factors: a favorable geography, the commitment of political and business leaders, the involvement of fewer local governments, accurate financial and ridership estimates and good timing. Consequently, Southern leaders interested in mass transit should look to Charlotte for lessons that might be applicable to other communities across the region.