CATS To Launch Enhanced and New Services in October Service Change

Published on September 29, 2026

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 29, 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will implement the first wave of service improvements made possible by last year’s transit funding referendum. These upgrades mark an early demonstration of CATS’ commitment to delivering transit improvements county-wide following the 2055 Transit System Plan.

“This is the moment where our commitments turn into visible action,” said Brent Cagle, Interim CEO at CATS. “The community asked for a more reliable, more frequent and more connected transit system. With this October service change, we’re beginning to show how that investment translates into improvements that people will experience every day.”

The Better Bus Program, part of CATS’ 2055 Transit System Plan, is modernizing the region’s bus network through expanded frequency, improved reliability, new bus routes, microtransit zones and upgraded passenger amenities such as bus stops and shelters.

“Our residents placed their trust in a long-term plan to strengthen and modernize transit across the county,” said David Howard, Chair of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority. “These early improvements show that the plan is moving from vision to reality and benefits are beginning to reach people in their everyday lives.”

CATS will continue to report milestones, deliver planned enhancements and ensure residents can see the impact of commitments made to Mecklenburg County.

Service Upgrades Effective Oct. 5, 2026

Routes with 15-Minute Service:

Route 5 (Airport Sprinter): 15-minute weekday service; 20-minute weekend service
Route 9 (Central Avenue): 15-minute service every day

Routes with 20-Minute Service:

Route 6 (Kings Drive): 20-minute weekday service

Increased Weekday Trips:

Route 53x (Northlake Express): three additional peak trips (13 daily trips total)
Route 61x (Arboretum/Waverly Express): three additional trips (12 daily trips total)

New Weekday Midday Service (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.):

Route 64x (Independence Blvd Express): Hourly service in both directions
Route 177 (North Meck Connector): This new bus route will serve the following destinations hourly on weekdays: Uptown Charlotte, Huntersville Gateway Park & Ride, Huntersville Northcross Park & Ride, Cornelius Park & Ride, and Davidson Gateway

Microtransit Service Updates:

New Microtransit Zone in West Charlotte, launching with service until 9 p.m. daily. Serving destinations such as: West Boulevard, Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, South Charlotte Veteran Affairs Clinic, and the Blue Line Woodlawn Station
Extended Microtransit Hours:North Meck Micro Zone hours extended to 9 p.m. daily

CATS will continue building on these early improvements as additional phases of the Transit System Plan move forward. Complete maps and details for the October service change are available on the CATS Service Change website.

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Use the CATS-Pass app for live vehicle tracking and trip planning. For questions or concerns, riders can speak directly to a customer service representative at 704-366-7433.

The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To request a reasonable accommodation or translation (free of charge), please email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-7433. Call Center open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 - 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 - 4 p.m.

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