Officials at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are developing plans for a future light rail stop to serve the air transportation hub. The proposed Silver Line light rail stop would be situated approximately one mile from the airport along Wilkinson Boulevard.
Travelers would disembark the light rail and transfer to an Automated People Mover for a roughly seven-minute ride to the airport terminal. This design avoids placing the train directly at the terminal entrance, which would interfere with future expansion plans for the airport.
Charlotte Area Transit System officials intend to locate the stop in an area designated as the Destination District. This district is envisioned to include various amenities such as restaurants, retail spaces, and a hotel.
The light rail station itself could feature conveniences for travelers, including check-in and bag tag kiosks, luggage carts, and bike racks, along with concessions.
The Automated People Mover is designed to travel at approximately 20 miles per hour. Current projections indicate that construction of the people mover could occur between 2030 and 2032. This timeline precedes the estimated 13 years it could take for the Silver Line light rail to become operational.
Residents and frequent flyers have expressed enthusiasm for the light rail project, citing potential benefits for managing Charlotte traffic and improving airport access. One Charlotte resident noted that a light rail would be beneficial for reaching flights faster, while another suggested it could lead to smoother travel experiences by reducing traffic congestion. A frequent visitor from Minneapolis, Jay Kistler, also expressed interest in using the light rail for airport transit, preferring it over ride-sharing services.