Beginning in November and continuing through early December, CATS will begin the next phase of system upgrades along the Blue Line, which will require scheduled single-tracking periods and Rail Trail detours near the new pedestrian crosswalk by Publix. These improvements support construction of the new station in South End and essential maintenance.
Published on April 13, 2026
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) launches its annual Transit Pass Design Contest, asking North and South Carolina residents to submit original artwork with the theme: Where do you move forward? Three winners will be selected to have their artwork printed on Local, Express and Express Plus passes for the 2027 calendar year.
Entries are due to CATS by Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m. and will be judged by a committee consisting of transit staff members, city officials and local art professionals. Entries will be ranked to identify first, second and third place winners based on the following criteria:
Does the design address the theme and promote multi-modal transportation in Charlotte in specific or general terms?
Is the design eye-catching and well-composed?
Is text absent from the design?
In addition to having their artwork printed on 2027 passes, each winner will receive a monthly transit pass of their choice and a prize as follows: first place - $500.00; second place - $300.00; third place - $100.00.
Interested participants can learn more, download an application and view technical guidelines and contest rules by the below buttons.
Download the contest application here(PDF, 263KB) View the contest rules here(PDF, 220KB) Apply here