Ronald J. Tober, former CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), discusses the evolution of light rail and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). Mr. Tober recalls conversations with Chancellor James H. Woodward about whether or not light rail should come onto the campus of UNC Charlotte. He specifically talks about Chancellor Woodward's reticence about having the line come through the middle of campus, which was one possible route the Blue Line Extension could take as it made its way towards Interstate 485 in northeast Mecklenburg County. Mr. Tober points out that Chancellor Woodward preferred that the line should run along North Tryon Street (Highway 29), skirting the edge of campus but not cutting through it. He also talks about light rail planning under Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and how the current configuration for the Blue Line Extension took shape. Mr. Tober concludes the interview speculating on the positive benefits that light rail will bring to UNC Charlotte.
