New vehicle experiences across the system

Published on June 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025

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

CATS Invests in More Than 100 New Vehicles Over the Last 18 Months, Meeting Strategic Priority in Providing Better Comfort, Safety and Reliability with New Fleet

Customers can experience new vehicles across bus, microtransit, paratransit and vanpool

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is stepping into a new era to help meet the needs of our growing region to provide sustainable, comfortable and accessible transit options. Riders asked for a reliable and updated transit fleet, and CATS has met that ask through the successful integration and deployment of new vehicles across bus, microtransit, paratransit and vanpool services. This multi-million-dollar investment underscores the agency's unwavering commitment to our riders and the community at large.

Our new vehicles represent a leap forward in modern transit technology, designed with the passenger at the forefront. Riders can experience Wi-Fi enabled buses, enhanced way finding technology, improved comfort and better accessibility. Security of our operators and passengers remains our number one priority. Every new bus includes cameras with audio capabilities. Over the last 18 months, CATS has purchased more than 100 new vehicles. The breakdown of CATS’ new fleet is as follows: 

  • 56 new paratransit vehicles 

  • 69 new Gillig local buses, including 15 Battery Electric Buses and 54 hybrid buses 

  • 5 new Over the Road MCI buses for express services 

  • CATS has also entered into two recent service operations contracts which further add to the new vehicles serving CATS customers. This includes new microtransit vehicles, through a partnership with MV Transportation, and the initial deployment of 24 vanpool vehicles, through a partnership with Commute with Enterprise formally launching July 1, 2025. 

"This new fleet is a testament to our dedication to our customers. We are proud to offer a public transportation system that serves the evolving needs of our community," said Interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle. “We know many of our riders are returning to the office, traveling to appointments and exploring our community. We hope our customers will be pleased with these new products as they utilize the system. CATS encourages all residents and visitors to experience the new fleet by choosing to hop on board the next time they are heading out into Mecklenburg County and be sure to use the CATS-Pass App to ensure your wayfinding experience meets your needs."

A press kit is available, including photos of our new vehicles and a fact sheet, at this link.

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.

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