by Marty Minchin

Created on: April 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

The LYNX light rail opened in late 2007 to great fanfare in Charlotte, with 60,000 people packing into the trains the first day to try the city's inaugural rail transit. The 9.6-mile blue line has since far exceeded transportation officials' ridership predictions and has become a staple for residents and tourists looking for an easy ride into uptown Charlotte.

LYNX has one line, which runs from South Boulevard just north of I-485 in southwest Charlotte to its 7th Street station in the heart of uptown Charlotte.

The blue line ride will not get you into Charlotte any quicker than driving; in fact, it may take longer. The LYNX line does, however, offer a stress-free ride in new, clean rail cars. Its frequent stops are convenient to shopping, restaurants and offices. The light rail has become popular with commuters, residents who don't want to deal with uptown parking and fans attending concerts and sporting events at uptown venues.

Here's what you need to know to ride the blue line, whether you're a tourist or a commuter:

Parking: LYNX offers free parking at its first seven stops, including a 1,120-space parking deck at the South Boulevard/I-485 stop, where the line originates. Hundreds of additional spaces are available at subsequent stops, which are a quick drive up South Boulevard.

Parking only should be tight during early morning weekday commuting hours; on weekends and off hours parking is plentiful.

Tickets: LYNX runs on the honor system, which means no turnstiles or ticket booths to slow you down. Tickets must be purchased at automated kiosks at the stations, which accept cash and credit cards.

Police officers and transit officials regularly patrol the trains checking for tickets. If you don't have one, you could be slapped with a $50 fine.

Fares: A one-way adult ride costs $1.50, and a round-trip adult ticket is $3. One-day unlimited ride passes are $4.50, and seven-day unlimited ride passes are $15.

Children age 5 and under ride free, and tickets are half-price for youth and seniors.

Train frequency: LYNX trains stop at every stop, and they run every 7.5 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The trains run every 15 to 20 minutes midday and in the evening. On weekends, the trains run every 20 minutes for most of the day. The trains have a reputation for being on time.

Trains operate from 5:27 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. weekdays, from 5:55 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. Saturdays and from 6:55 a.m. to 12:12 a.m. Sundays.

The ride: The LYNX cars are spacious

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