CATS Governing Board Approves TSP

Published on May 29, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2025

Contact: 980-722-0311
CATSPR@charlottenc.gov

CATS Governing Board Approves Transit System Plan Update 

Thank you to the community for their input and engagement over the last six months

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – This evening the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) voted to adopt the updated Transit System Plan (TSP) at its regularly scheduled meeting. The updated plan includes the prioritization of the Better Bus program, inclusive of microtransit, along with phased implementation of the rapid transit corridors. The plan represents a major expansion of transit serving the Charlotte region, including a 50% increase in bus service and 43 more miles of rail services.

The decision to approve this plan comes after nearly half a year of extensive public engagement with stakeholders, residents and riders across Mecklenburg County. Four scenarios were developed and presented to the public that included the Better Bus program, Red Line, and Gold Line extension, but varied in the mode and length of the Silver Line corridor and the Blue Line extension corridor.  

“Through our surveys, 93% of participants indicated that more transit options are needed in Mecklenburg County and the time to act is now,” said interim CEO Brent Cagle. “They also highlighted the need for increased frequency and connections to jobs, housing, education and daily destinations. We believe this updated plan meets the needs shared by our communities, and we applaud the MTC for their continued diligence and support of the communities that we serve.” 

In April, CATS staff presented their recommendation to the MTC based on public and stakeholder input. Visit the project website by clicking this link: CatsTransitSystemPlanUpdate.com to find details regarding the plan, the engagement process and staff recommendations, key takeaways and a summary of the feedback received during the engagement process. The decision made tonight by the MTC is an important part of making the plan a reality.   

“Today’s vote by the Metropolitan Transit Commission to adopt a unified transit system plan is an important milestone in our shared vision for the future of mobility in Mecklenburg County,” said MTC chair and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This plan reflects years of collaboration, community input, and a deep commitment to building a more connected, prosperous, accessible, and sustainable region for generations to come. This is an important step to executing the vision we’ve worked so hard to shape and will serve residents across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The future of our transit system is not just about buses, microtransit and rail lines – it’s about connecting our communities, creating economic opportunity, and helping everyone who lives in our community have a better quality of life.” 

The priority of the Better Bus plan is one of the key parts of the TSP, and most of the program will be implemented in the next five to 10 years. Riders can expect to see improved amenities, better frequency and additional microtransit zones within that period.   

The other key to the updated TSP is the phased implementation of rail through the Rapid Transit Corridor System. These rail lines include commuter rail, light rail and streetcar projects to provide reliable, time-competitive travel to connect people to housing, jobs, educational opportunities, shopping and entertainment. 

The Rapid Transit Corridor System plan includes:

  • Red Line commuter rail from Charlotte Gateway Station to Mt. Mourne. 
  • Silver Line light rail from Airport to Coliseum/Ovens. 
  • Gold Line streetcar extension from Rosa Parks Place to Eastland. 
  • Blue Line light rail extension from I-485/South Boulevard to Carolina Place Mall (Pineville). 
  • Future light rail extensions for Silver Line west to I-485 and east to Matthews and Blue Line to Ballantyne, as funding allows, with enhanced bus in the interim.

*Updated Rapid Transit System Corrider Map, view a high resolution version of the map by clicking this link: Rapid Transit Corridor System Plan map

*Updated Better Bus Service Area Map, view a high resolution version of the map by clicking this link: Better Bus Plan map

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. CATS is the largest transit system between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, offering bus, light rail, streetcar, vanpool and paratransit services.

Learn more by visiting RideTransit.org or follow CATS on X, Instagram and Facebook.

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