Tony Mecia | Charlotte Ledger

In Charlotte, much of the revenue from a higher sales tax would fund upgrades for pedestrian safety, intersections and sidewalks — not just new or wider roads.

Mecklenburg County voters would decide on raising sales tax to 8.25%, generating $19 billion for transit and roads.

Independence Boulevard plans pushed back, and I-77 tolling proceeds

Millions in road money helps shore up support for expanded rail and bus lines; towns could repave and extend streets, build sidewalks, install streetlights — and boost spending on "parks, public safety, you name it."

There’s finally a bill before the General Assembly, and legislative leaders sound more receptive than ever. But it could be at least several months before we know if the plan is a go.

A long-awaited bill that would allow Mecklenburg County voters to vote on a one-cent sales tax increase for transportation has been filed in the state Senate.

With Charlotte’s plans to build a future transit line from Belmont to Matthews poised to take a step forward this year, a group of transit advocates is now asking: What if we’re about to make a big mistake?

Internal polls and surveys conducted by Charlotte Area Transit System show strong majorities have favorable impressions of transit — but that there’s room for improvement, too.

For years, the city of Charlotte has labored to advance a plan that would expand transit. But now, the future of the transit plan that the city has shaped and pushed lies largely outside of the city’s control.

Millions in road money helps shore up support for expanded rail and bus lines; towns could repave and extend streets, build sidewalks, install streetlights — and boost spending on "parks, public safety, you name it" — in Mecklenburg County towns.