CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A big delivery arrived in Charlotte Wednesday morning as the city got its first in-person look of the new streetcars that will run along the Gold Line when it opens.
- Six streetcars will be used on the Gold Line
- Inside the vehicles, the seat fabric is designed by Charlotte artist Amy Cheng
- The Gold Line is expected to open at the end of 2020
It's one of six streetcar vehicles that will be on the Gold Line. They look similar to the CATS Blue Line vehicles, but are a little shorter with 52 seats. They also have hybrid technology.
“It has a alternative source of power on the vehicles with a large battery pack on the roof that allows it to go off wire,” said CATS Transit Planning Manager David McDonald.
Inside the vehicles, the seat fabric is designed by Charlotte artist Amy Cheng. They are additions riders have waited a long time for.
“It's been a project that was supposed to come in and move along but it seems to have come in, taken route, and stayed around forever,” said J Graham and Company Salon Richard Graham.
His business is one of many near the Hawthorne Lane bridge that have lived with the sounds and delays of construction for nearly two years.
“It's frustrating for our customers, no doubt,” Graham said.
The Gold Line is expected to open at the end of 2020.