Enhanced Bus Shelter Featuring Solar Lighting

Published on October 27, 2025

CATS Installs Enhanced Bus Shelter Featuring Solar Lighting on Beatties Ford Road

New shelter marks visible progress under the Better Bus program, improving comfort, safety and accessibility for riders

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has installed a new bus shelter on Beatties Ford Road near the Northwest School of Arts. The upgrade is part of CATS’ Better Bus program, a systemwide effort to improve rider comfort, safety and accessibility through better amenities and infrastructure. 

The new Tolar-designed “signature sunset” model bus stop includes Urban Solar lighting, a USB phone charging port, a custom map case for wayfinding information and a new trash receptacle. The shelter also features a public art glass installation and an ADA-accessible pad to ensure equitable access for all riders. 

The lighting at the stop is powered by solar energy, providing consistent lighting for rider’s day and night, improving visibility and safety. 

“We’ve always viewed our bus stops as the front door to our agency,” said Bruce Jones, Manager of Service Planning. “Through Better Bus, we’re making visible improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and the overall rider experience.” 

Contingent on voter approval of the proposed sales tax referendum, CATS plans to enhance more than 2,000 bus stops over the next decade through Better Bus. These upgrades include replacing aging shelters, adding solar lighting, benches and trash bins and ensuring all stops meet ADA standards. 

“Better Bus is about delivering on our promise to customers and the community,” said Brent Cagle, CATS Interim CEO. “These upgrades are just the beginning of a larger effort to build a more reliable, accessible and enhanced transit network for our region."

Additional shelter replacements and upgrades are scheduled throughout 2025 as CATS continues implementing the Better Bus plan. 

Photos featuring the bus shelter installation process can be found by clicking this link: CATS Enhanced Bus shelter photo gallery

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 visiting RideTransit.org or follow CATS on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.