As part of the ongoing South End Station construction, existing rail trail closures remain in place. To learn more, view a map detailing detours, or find bicycle and pedestrian detours, please click the link below.
In 1976, the City of Charlotte unified its transit services under Charlotte Transit, introducing 34 new buses and establishing the foundation for formal public transportation in the region. Today, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates a growing network that includes nearly 250 buses, 19 miles of light rail, 4 miles of streetcar, STS paratransit, vanpool, and Microtransit, with expansion underway following the passage of the P.A.V.E. Act in 2025.
The City of Charlotte created Charlotte Transit in 1976 and bus service began.
Charlotte launched a campaign promoting the new city-run transit system and introduced 34 new buses to modernize service.
Charlotte Transit expanded its fleet with new MAN Americana buses.
Charlotte Transit introduced more accessible buses for riders with disabilities.
Charlotte’s last streetcar, No. 85, was rediscovered in 1987, sparking preservation efforts.
The Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) opened in December 1995
Mecklenburg County voters approved a dedicated half-cent transit sales tax in 1998 to fund transit improvements which lead directly to the creation of the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC)
Bus ridership surged 55% in just one year after the Independence Boulevard busway opened in December 1998, proving strong demand for improved bus service in Charlotte.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) was created as a department of the City of Charlotte, laying the framework for the city’s current transit system. And the 2025 Transit System Plan was accepted and updated.
The Blue Line opened in 2007 as North Carolina’s first light rail line, connecting Charlotte’s South End to Uptown.
CATS launched a systemwide bus shelter program, installing covered, lighted shelters at stops across the county to improve the rider experience
STS paratransit service was extended to provide more quality transportation to people with disabilities.
Phase 1 of the Gold Line Streetcar opened in 2015, revising Charlotte’s streetcar tradition and connecting key destinations through the city center.
The Blue Line Extension opened in 2018, stretching 11 miles north from Uptown to UNC Charlotte’s campus, bringing light rail service to new neighborhoods.
CATS launched Bus Rapid Service Express service along I-77 to provide commuters an option when driving to work.
WeDriveU awarded bus management contract.
CATS introduced Microtransit, curb-to-curb, on-demand service extending coverage to service neighborhoods with lower transit density
The 2055 Transit System Plan was adopted.
Passage of the P.A.V.E. Act established a one-cent countywide sales tax to fund transit and transportation improvements across Mecklenburg County.
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA), created by the P.A.V.E. Act, is governed by a board that includes representatives from towns surrounding Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.