Better Bus

               CATS blue banner with green bus icon

Better Bus is the Charlotte Area Transit System's (CATS') commitment to modernize and reimagine the Charlotte region's bus network. To track our progress on the Better Bus plan, please visit the CATS Service Change page to learn more about when changes will be implemented.

Better Bus includes:

  • More frequent bus service throughout the network

  • More microtransit to serve new areas

  • More shelters and other amenities at bus stops

CATS is working to implement Better Bus over the next 5 years and is currently working on changes for year one which include the following:

  • 15-minute or better service

  • Route 5 – Sprinter Airport

  • Route 7 – Beatties Ford Rd

  • Route 9 – Central Ave

  • Route 16 – South Tryon St

  • Route 21 – Statesville Ave

  • 20-30-minute service

  • Route 6 – Kings Dr

  • Route 14 – Providence Rd

  • Added Express service

  • Route 40x – Lawyers Rd Express

  • Route 46x – Harrisburg Rd Express

  • Route 53x – Northlake Express

  • Route 61x – Arboretum/Waverly Express

  • New weekday mid-day service

  • Route 64x – Independence Express

  • Route 77x – North Meck Express

  • Two new CATS Micro zones

  • North End/Beatties Zone

  • West/Airport Zone

  • Extension of North Meck CATS Micro service hours from 7pm to 9pm

Better Bus system map for fiscal year 2027 with a description below

The Better Bus improvements include two more micro zones, a service route with a 15 minute frequency, another service line with 20 to 30 minute frequency and an express service.

Read more about all of the planned Better Bus changes happening in the next 5 years in our Better Bus Report(PDF, 19MB) .