October 2026 Service Change Brings Increased Frequency and New Routes

Published on September 21, 2026

Rider’s Alert

Route: 5, 6, 9, 53x, 61x, 64x, 177, CATS Micro

Effective: Oct. 5, 2026

Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, CATS will implement several improvements as part of the annual October service change and the Better Bus Initiative.

This October’s service change is the first since Mecklenburg County voters approved the sales tax referendum, paving the way for the Better Bus program. Over the next five years, customers throughout Mecklenburg County will see expanded service frequency, additional CATS Micro zones, upgraded bus stop amenities and a more reliable system overall.

The information below lists the bus routes that will see increased frequency as part of the October service change, including more weekday connections between Matthews and Uptown Charlotte, a new North Mecklenburg off-peak connector, and a new CATS Micro Zone in West Charlotte.

Find updated maps and timetables for the routes listed below on the CATS' Service Change webpage.

October 2026 Service Changes

Routes improved to 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 improved to 20-Minute Service

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

Increased Weekday Trips

  • Route 53x (Northlake Express): 3 Additional Peak trips (13 daily trips total)

  • Route 61x (Arboretum/Waverly Express): 3 Additional Peak 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

New Bus Route: Route 177 (North Meck Connector)

  • This route will run hourly on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

  • Route will serve the following destinations: Uptown Charlotte, Huntersville Gateway Park & Ride, Huntersville Northcross Park & Ride, Cornelius Park & Ride, Davidson Gateway

CATS Micro Service Updates

  • New CATS Micro 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, Blue Line Woodlawn Station

  • Extended CATS Micro Hours! North Meck Micro Zone hours extended to 9 p.m. daily

Customers with questions or concerns should contact CATS Customer Service by emailing telltransit@charlottenc.gov or calling 704-336-7433.

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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