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.

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 would like your help to set service priorities for year one. Once service priorities have been established, CATS will conduct additional engagement to share the recommended improvements for future service changes occurring between October 2026 and June 2027.

Please complete our online survey to help guide the implementation of Better Bus. CATS will be collecting input through June 12, 2026. Select the button below to participate in the survey.

Better Bus Survey

CATS will also be holding a live virtual meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m., livestreamed on CATS YouTube. Additional meeting dates/times will be announced shortly.

What Changes are Being Proposed For Year One of Better Bus?

For fiscal year 27 (FY27), CATS is recommending service improvements in the below areas. These improvements will be implemented in phases throughout FY27 during our planned service changes in October 2026, February 2027 and June 2027.

  • 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, 32MB) .

Contact

Email: BetterBus@publicinput.com

Resources

Take the Better Bus survey here: Participate Here

Better Bus Report(PDF, 32MB)

Better Bus Spring 2025 Meeting Boards(PDF, 42MB)

Key terms to know for this Plan!

Mobility Hub: A spot where people can easily switch from one mode of transportation to another, making it simpler and more convenient to get around. 

On-Demand First-Mile / Last-Mile: A ride that helps someone reach the beginning or end of their transit journey. 

CATS Micro: An on-demand, shared-ride service that gets you where you need to go, for the same fare as a local bus or rail trip. CATS Micro operates point-to-point within a designated zone and will initially serve the Northern Mecklenburg County area. Learn more about micro by visiting the link, About CATS Micro.

Upcoming Public Engagements

  • Tuesday, May 26 at the Urban Design Center |1507 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203| 6:00 - 8:00 PM

  • Thursday, May 28 at the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) |303 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202| 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

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