Transportation

Charlotte plans to spend billions of dollars over the next two decades building new rail lines, a better bus system, greenways and roads. But in an age of self-driving cars, drones, hydrogen train and cheap, futuristic tunnels, is the city building tomorrow’s transportation system with yesterday’s technology?

British electric vehicle manufacturer Arrival says it will build its second "microfactory" in the Charlotte area, on a site near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The company says the $41.2 million plant will create 250 jobs and make electric delivery vans for UPS.

The city of Charlotte has promoted a poll from the National Resources Defense Council that shows residents of the six Mecklenburg County towns support the city's $8 to $12 billion transportation plan. But the city said it doesn't have the full script of the poll and won't ask for it — even though the questions asked in a poll can make a big difference in the responses received.

All aboard on raising the transit tax? Not folks in northern Mecklenburg County, even as transit boosters promise new hope for commuter rail. Why is it a hard sell in that part of the county?

On the February installment of "Mike and the Mayor," Vi Lyles discusses the latest on the proposed transportation sales tax increase, work on a nondiscrimination ordinance and the pushback City Council has received over the Greg Phipps appointment.

Some larger vehicles will be allowed to use the toll lanes on I-77 beginning Monday. North Carolina Department of Transportation and toll-lane operator I-77 Mobility Partners said the lanes will now be open to two-axle trucks and vehicles pulling one-axle trailers.

Charlotte residents will have a chance to comment on a proposed tax increase for transit at the Charlotte City Council meeting Monday night.

Around the country, voters have approved multibillion-dollar plans to build or expand transit systems. Mayor Vi Lyles wants to put a similar question on the ballot in Charlotte next year.

Voters who live in Charlotte city limits are being asked if they want to approve bonds that would help fund transportation and housing initiatives. Here's what to know before you head to the polls.

Duke Energy is in negotiations with the city to buy electric buses for Charlotte Area Transit System. The news came as a surprise to environmentalists, who say an all-electric bus fleet would help the city meet its climate change goals.