Accessibility

All of CATS fixed route buses and trains are accessible and meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  CATS also offers paratransit, Special Transportation Service (STS), for eligible customers with disabilities.

CATS' process to determine eligibility for STS paratransit service includes an application, interview and functional assessment.  This process meets ADA guidelines for determining whether a person can ride fixed route or is eligible for paratransit.  It ensures that ADA paratransit is available for individuals who really need it.  As a result, STS is reserved for people with disabilities that prevent them from riding fixed route.  People with disabilities who are not eligible for paratransit are encouraged to ride CATS various fixed route services which are accessible and have many advantages.

Benefits of Riding Fixed Route

• Less expensive

• Greater independence

• Wheelchair securement

• On board surveillance and security system 

• More frequent service 

• Same day service

• Set your own schedule

• No reservations needed

• Vehicles are 100% accessible

• Priority seating for people with disabilities

• Automated voice and display announcements  

• 70+ routes in Charlotte region

Reasonable Modification Policy

CATS is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible and user-friendly services to its customers. To ensure equality and fairness, CATS is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures to avoid discrimination and ensure programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Requests for modifications can be made by calling 704.336.7433 or emailing CATS Accessibility Coordinator.

CATS Accessibility Features

• All CATS buses are equipped with lifts or ramps that will accommodate at least 800 lbs. Additionally, CATS fixed route buses have low floors or kneeling capability for anyone who has a difficult time climbing steps.

• Have priority seating for customers with disabilities conveniently located at the front of the bus.  Bus operators will secure wheelchairs and scooters.

• Have an automated system that displays and announces time points, major intersections, landmarks and points of interests.  Bus operators will also announce upcoming stop locations if requested by a rider. 

• Have push strips to request the operator to stop and to deploy the lift

• Permit service animals 

To engage a speaker to explain these services, call 704.336.2233.

Service Animals

Persons who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are permitted to travel with service animals in CATS vehicles and facilities. A service animal is defined as any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items.

Customers traveling with service animals are provided the same service as all other customers. That service is provided with dignity and respect, without compromising safety or security.

LYNX Light Rail 

CATS LYNX trains also have priority seating near the train entrance as well as level floor boarding from the station platform.  Visit LYNX for information regarding CATS light rail accessibility.