CATS Outlines Timeline and Name Change for Huntersville Rail Stations

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is contemplating a name change for the Red Line upon the completion of the commuter rail line extending through north Mecklenburg County. According to a report by Queen City News, CATS provided an update to the Huntersville Board of Commissioners in mid-October regarding the progress of the long-awaited Red Line project.

This 24-mile commuter rail corridor is designed to have 11 stations, stretching from Uptown Charlotte to Davidson, with future plans to extend to Mount Mourne. CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle announced that the agency would seek public input on potential new names, indicating that the name change proposal might be presented to the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for feedback. Cagle noted that operations for the Red Line are anticipated to start within eight to ten years, adhering to CATS’ conventional design-bid-build approach while also considering alternative delivery methods.

The planned schedule for the Red Line includes at least hourly services from 6 a.m. to between 11 and 11:30 p.m., with 30-minute intervals during peak periods. Details on the locations of three Huntersville stations were also shared: Hambright Station, Huntersville Station, and Sam Furr Station. Additionally, a microtransit expansion is in the works, targeting key destinations like the Northcross Shopping Center and Northlake Mall, which will function as a transfer point for Beatties Ford Road bus services.