CATS Selects Winning Artwork for 2026 Transit Passes
Published on June 06, 2025
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is announcing the winners of its 5th annual Transit Pass Design Contest, whose artwork will be printed on Local, Express and Express Plus monthly passes for the 2026 calendar year.
- First place: Jessa Lyn Lizama - Local Monthly Pass
- Second place: Thomas Low - Express Monthly Pass
- Third place: Nic Capano - Express Plus Monthly Pass
Cats asked North and South Carolina residents to submit original artwork with the theme 50 Years of Moving People Forward. The theme allowed creative interpretation that focused on celebrating the people who make public transit possible, like CATS operators and customers. In 2026, Charlotte will celebrate the 50th anniversary of public transit in the region. Transit has been a vital part of the Charlotte community long before the formation of CATS. More information about celebration plans will be announced later this year.
"I feel this resonates with the theme 50 Years of Moving People Forward by showcasing people of different ages taking a commute," first place winner Jessa Lyn Lizama said. "The background highlights Uptown Charlotte, the city we all share. As someone who enjoys walking and taking the train, I hope to see our transit system continue to grow, making it easier for everyone to explore and find new ways to support our drivers, riders and neighborhoods along the way."
CATS' Art in Transit program enhances essential mobility solutions in our region that connect communities to opportunity, places and each other. With the objective of providing vibrancy to public spaces and enriching neighborhoods, CATS commits 1% of design and construction costs to the integration of permanent art into most capital improvement projects, including rail stations, park and rides, bust stops, transportation centers and maintenance facilities.
For questions or concerns, community members can speak to CATS customer service at 704-336-RIDE (7433).