Gold Line service will be suspended Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 as part of the annual fall rail shutdown. Service will resume Monday, Oct. 26. The Blue Line will not be impacted. Due to road closures, CATS will not run bus bridge service.
Beginning the last week of October 2026, CATS customers will begin to see a team of 60 Fare Ambassadors, wearing blue shirts and yellow hats, starting on Blue Line vehicles and platforms.
This new program is designed to support customers as fare-payment options evolve through CATS Fare Modernization Program and contribute to a secure and welcoming transit environment.
Fare Ambassadors will check for valid fares while providing customer service, including wayfinding and guidance on fare payment, transfers, fare capping and the CATS-Pass app.
The program will expand in phases to buses and the Gold Line. Rollout timelines will be announced.
What customers can expect:
Fare Ambassadors will wear identifiable uniforms and may request proof of valid fare on platforms and light rail vehicles.
Ambassadors can answer fare questions and help customers understand available and emerging payment options.
Customers can also ask Ambassadors for wayfinding and general assistance while using the system.
Customers are expected to have a valid fare when riding CATS. Ambassadors will explain fare requirements and next steps during an interaction.
The program will launch in October 2026.
Beginning in October, Fare Ambassadors will be on light rail vehicles and platforms.
The program is expected to expand in phases to buses and the Gold Line, with timing to be announced.
Fare Ambassadors will wear blue shirts and yellow hats so customers can easily identify them.
Fare Ambassadors will:
Yes. Fare Ambassadors may request proof of a valid fare on light rail platforms and vehicles.
Customers are expected to have a valid fare when riding CATS and while within the fare zone.
If asked, customers should provide proof of a valid fare. Fare Ambassadors will explain fare requirements and any next steps during the interaction.
Yes. Fare Ambassadors can answer questions and help customers understand available and emerging fare-payment options, including transfers, fare capping and the CATS-Pass app.
Yes. Fare Ambassadors can provide wayfinding assistance and answer general questions to help customers navigate the CATS system.
Not initially. The program will begin on light rail vehicles and platforms in October 2026.
CATS expects to expand the program in phases to buses and the Gold Line.
Timing for those expansions will be announced.
The program is designed to help customers navigate fare-payment options as they evolve while providing a visible, customer-focused presence throughout the system.
Fare Ambassadors will help customers understand fare requirements, payment options and other aspects of using CATS.
Yes. Customers are expected to have a valid fare when riding CATS and when in fare zones.
Fare Ambassadors will help customers understand fare requirements and provide information about available payment options.
Customers can ask a Fare Ambassador for assistance when using the system or contact CATS Customer Service by calling 704-336-7433 or emailing telltransit@charlottenc.gov for additional information.
The CATS Fare Ambassador Program is designed to make fare interactions cleaner and help customers navigate the transit system as fare-payment options evolve.
Fare Ambassadors will provide customer service and assistance while also checking for valid fares. The program is intended to support a convenient, secure and welcoming experience for everyone riding CATS.