CATS Announces Public Comment Period and Public Hearing for Changes
Published on April 01, 2026
Rider's Alert
April 1, 2026
Public input invited from April 1 through May 7 as part of the Fare Modernization Program
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is inviting customers, stakeholders and members of the public to review and provide feedback on proposed Fare Modernization Program changes developed through the agency’s Comprehensive Fare Study. A formal public comment period will be open from April 1 through May 7, with a public hearing to be held by the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) on May 7.
The proposed Fare Modernization Program changes are the result of an extensive Comprehensive Fare Study that evaluated current fare policies, payment options and customer needs. The study focused on modernizing fare payment technology, simplifying the fare structure and improving the overall customer experience while maintaining equity, affordability and access.
To share the study’s recommended improvements, CATS implemented an extensive round of public engagement in January and February 2026, including an online survey, a program website and presentation, five public meetings, a virtual meeting and community pop-ups throughout the service area.
This public comment period provides an additional opportunity for customers and community members to share feedback on the proposed changes before they are considered for adoption by the MTC. All comments received during this period will be reviewed and summarized for the MTC’s consideration.
MTC Public Hearing
The public hearing will be held May 7 to allow the public to provide verbal comments on the proposed Fare Modernization Program changes. The hearing will be live streamed on the CATS YouTube channel.
Date
May 7, 2026
Location
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Time
6 p.m.
How to Participate
Beginning April 1, the public may review the proposed Fare Modernization Program changes, by selecting this link Fare Modernization Program, and submit comments through the following methods:
Online public comment form, which is available in English and Spanish. You can fill out the form through this link CATS Fare Modernization Program Comment Form
Email: CATSfarestudy@publicinput.com
Written mail: CATS Fare Modernization Study, 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Fare Study Hotline: 704-496-4861
Verbal testimony at the May 7 public hearing (Sign up to speak by selecting this link online speaker sign-up form or call 704-353-1794.)
The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color or national origin. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation or interpretation services (free of charge), please email CATSBoards@charlottenc.gov or call 704-356-1794 at least 72 hours to the public hearing meeting date.
About the Fare Modernization Program
About 18 months ago, CATS launched the Comprehensive Fare Study that provided recommended improvements that CATS is implementing as part of its Fare Modernization Program. The study included a comprehensive review of the existing fare structure and policies and identified recommendations to improve how customers pay for transit, ensuring the system continues to meet community needs as it grows.
About the Charlotte Area Transit System
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is a department of the City of Charlotte and governed by the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC). CATS is the largest transit system between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, offering bus, light rail, streetcar, vanpool, microtransit and paratransit services. Learn more by following CATS on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.