Red Line Commuter Rail Project

"Transportation cost burden falls the hardest on lowest income families; lower income households spent 30% of their after-tax income on transportation in 2022."

In general, individuals or households with lower income lack consistent access to a private automobile and are more reliant on public transportation as a primary means of mobility.

To evaluate the need for mobility and public transit by historically underserved populations, U.S. Census Bureau data was gathered from the American Community Survey (ACS 2023, 5-year estimate) at the Census Tract geographic level. The ACS provides data on the number of people ages 18 and over below the poverty threshold. The accompanying low-income density map shows those areas with a higher concentration of low-income households overlaid with fixed-route transit services in the area.

Source: American Community Survey 2022

Certain populations, such as disabled and elderly populations, often depend on public transit to access health care or other medical appointments. New or expanded public transportation options can improve health and health equity by improving access to medical care and vital services.

To identify the distribution of elderly and disabled populations in the Red Line study area, U.S. Census Bureau data on vulnerable populations was gathered from the American Community Survey (ACS 2023, 5-year estimate) at the Census Tract geographic level. The ACS provides data on the number of older adults and disabled individuals. The accompanying population density map shows those areas with higher concentrations of vulnerable individuals overlaid with existing fixed-route transit services by provider in the study area.

Source: American Community Survey 2022

To understand where high density areas are located in the corridor, the most current population and employment data was gathered from the American Community Survey (ACS 2023, 5-year estimate) at the Census Tract geographic level. Coupling these concentrations with future population and employment densities informs strategies for mobility solutions that connect people to places and opportunities. The map also shows existing fixed-route transit services by provider in the study area.

Source: American Community Survey 2022

Horizon year projection data for population and employment density was analyzed to determine the predicted population and employment distribution in the corridor by the year 2050. Understanding where these concentrations exist helps the region develop mobility solutions and ensures that station locations are positioned to best serve future growth in the area. The map also shows existing fixed-route transit services by provider in the study area.

Source: Metrolina Travel Demand Model 2023

 _{Disclaimer: Population and Employment projections are modeled estimates, based on various data sources including Census ACS, purchased employment data, regional demographers, and local professionals. These socioeconomic projections are currently being updated to a 2055 horizon and should be available at the end of the 2024 calendar year.} 

Current land use data was acquired for each City and Town along the Red Line. This map allows users to identify general land use patterns within a half-mile from the proposed commuter rail line. In general, Single-Family Residential was the most prevalent land use type, followed by Vacant land, and Industrial. Agriculture (1.6%), Mixed-Use (.48%), and Parking (.47%) were the least common land uses present along the corridor.

Future land use data was acquired for each City and Town along the Red Line. The subsequent maps allow users to identify proposed general land use patterns within a half-mile of the proposed commuter rail line.

The Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map is a companion to the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan and is a translation of the plan's place-based policies according to specific geographies. It informs the type and intensity of development that is appropriate throughout the city, and will be used in multiple decision-making processes, such as future zoning decisions and capital investments.

The Town of Huntersville's 2040 Community Plan anticipates new development throughout the area for this growing Town. The Huntersville Future Land Use Map provides a generalized guide for land-use decisions in the Huntersville area. The character areas on the map are defined through the link below that describes intended uses and permitted densities, scales, and design features of new developments. These character area descriptions and the associated map will guide private investment, infrastructure and rezoning decisions.

The Cornelius Future Land Use Plan is the policy document that guides decisions related to land use patterns within Cornelius's planning and zoning jurisdiction. It is the Town's goal to create flexible guidelines for new developments that promote creativity through practices such as conservation subdivision planning and unique site designs that preserve the character of the area.

Instead of conventional zoning districts, Davidson uses planning areas to guide future development patterns. These planning areas are defined not by land use, but rather by geographical areas related to the historical and topographical patterns of growth in the community, and the Targeted Growth Plan from the 2010 Davidson Comprehensive Plan.

The Future Character and Land Use Map for Mooresville designates the character areas that will guide growth and change in the community for the long-range future. Character areas reflect the intended development patterns, form, and character for future development and redevelopment. As site plans, subdivisions, and rezoning cases are evaluated, these character areas will serve as a guide for Town leaders and staff in evaluating the appropriateness of future developments.

In Iredell County's 2045 Horizon Plan, the County established a future land use map with specific land use classifications to serve as a framework for guiding future development decisions in Iredell County. The future land use plan will be used to inform decisions related to long-term infrastructure investments, zoning, and natural and rural area preservation efforts, while also serving as a guide to steer future economic development undertakings towards broader market forces.

The Corridor Safety map visualizes the locations of all automobile accidents that have occurred in 2022 within the Red Line corridor study area. The map further differentiates accidents by the type of automobile crash, whether the accident involved a pedestrian, bicycle, or another vehicle, and if the crash resulted in a fatal or serious injury.

This map identifies what corridors in the study area may be unsafe for pedestrian movement and provides for the opportunity to implement targeted safety improvements around proposed station areas.

Source: NCDOT

The Sidewalk Network map visualizes the existing pedestrian network of the northern communities. Marked crosswalks are identified, as well as all existing sidewalks. This map also identifies where sidewalk construction is recommended to fill network gaps, as well as any existing sidewalks that are recommended for improvements. The Sidewalk Network map will inform the location of Red Line stations to ensure that stations are easily accessible for pedestrians.

Source: Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization

The Bicycle Network map identifies all existing and recommended biking infrastructure located within the Red Line study area. This data will inform Red Line station location to ensure stations maximize multi-modal connections while promoting a more integrated biking network for the northern communities.

Source: Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization