CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- The new, bigger authority that would operate a potentially expanded transit system in Mecklenburg County was approved by county commissioners Tuesday night.

The Board voted 8-1 to create the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority, which would take the place of the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Susan Rodriguez-McDowell opposed. Its creation is contingent upon the passage of the 1-cent transit tax referendum in November.

The authority will have 27 members appointed from communities in Mecklenburg County -- including Matthews -- and from state leaders. The city of Charlotte gets to appoint 12 members, three of whom must represent business interests in the county, and one of whom must have experience operating a small business. The other towns wi

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