News 14 Carolina's Johnell Johnson has the latest from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
CHARLOTTE -- The ribbon has been cut on Charlotte's South Corridor light rail line. City leaders and state officials held a ceremony Monday morning to officially open the project.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole was on hand. She says the project marks a real step forward for the city.
Local, state and federal dignitaries were on-hand for the ribbon-cutting Monday.
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory agreed, saying mass transportation is essential for the future of the city.
"It’s not really about today, it’s about future generations, the redevelopment of this corridor, transportation choices and mobility," he said.
The light rail opens to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday with free rides all weekend long. The first paid fares will be taken Monday morning.