CATS TXT

Real-time bus arrival times straight to your phone — no app required. With CATS TXT you can quickly check when your next bus is arriving by sending a simple text message. Works on any mobile phone, smartphone or not.

Quick Help

  1. Text CATS HELP to 41411 for step-by-step guidance.
  2. Receive CATS Customer Service contact details by email and phone.

How it Works

  1. Find your Stop ID
    • Format: Posted at your bus stop on the sign
    • Available online via the CATS Trip Planner, which can be found through this link: Trip Planner or the Bus Stops & Routes map, which can be found through this link: Bus Routes and Schedules
  2. Send a text message
    • Format: CATS [Stop ID]
    • Send: To 41411
    • Example:
      • CATS 17210 and you receive the next bus arrival times (both real-time and scheduled) for Stop #17210

Filter by Route

If multiple routes serve your stop, refine results by adding the route number.

  • Format: CATS [Stop ID] [Route Number]
  • Example:
    • CATS 17210 23 and it shows only Route 23 buses at Stop #17210

Examples

Examples #1: Text 'CATS 17210' to 41411

Two text message conversations with a description below

In SMS conversation number one, the phone user sends a message that says cats 17210. A response is received that says stop 17210: 17 Inbound Realtime @9:25a, 10:21a, 10:51a. 23 Inbound Realtime @9:27a, 9:53a, 10:24a. Scheduled @10:54a, 11:25a, 11:55a, 12:25p, 12:55p

Example 2: Text 'CATS 17210 23' to 41411

SMS text example with conversation below:

In SMS conversation number one, the phone user sends a message that says cats 17210 23. A response is received that says stop 17210: 23 Inbound Realtime @9:27a, 9:53a, 10:24a. Scheduled @10:54a, 11:25a, 11:55a, 12:25p, 12:55p, 1:25p, 1:56p, 2:26p, 2:59p, 3:32p, 4:02p

Example 3: Text 'CATS HELP' for instructions and support contacts

SMS text example with conversation below:

In SMS conversation number one, the phone user sends a message that says Cats help. A response is received that says For info on CATS SMS, go to https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Ride/Bus/BusLine-SMS. Email: telltransit@charlottenc.gov. Call: 704.336.7433.

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