Commitments Made, Commitments Being Delivered: CATS To Launch Enhanced and New Services

Transit improvements made possible by Mecklenburg County voters begin Monday, October 5

Beginning Monday, October 5, 2026, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will implement the first wave of service improvements made possible by last year’s transit funding referendum. These upgrades mark an early demonstration of CATS’ commitment to delivering transit improvements county-wide following the 2055 Transit System Plan.

“This is the moment where our commitments turn into visible action,” said Brent Cagle, Interim CEO at CATS. “The community asked for a more reliable, more frequent and more connected transit system. With this October service change, we’re beginning to show how that investment translates into improvements that people will experience every day.”

The Better Bus Program, part of CATS’ 2055 Transit System Plan, is modernizing the region’s bus network through expanded frequency, improved reliability, new bus routes, microtransit zones, and upgraded passenger amenities such as bus stops and shelters.

“Our residents placed their trust in a long-term plan to strengthen and modernize transit across the county,” said David Howard, Chair of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority. “These early improvements show that the plan is moving from vision to reality and benefits are beginning to reach people in their everyday lives.” 

By expanding frequency on core routes, adding midday service to the Independence Boulevard and North Mecklenburg corridors and introducing a new microtransit zone in West Charlotte, CATS is demonstrating measurable progress toward a more reliable and accessible regional transit network.

CATS will continue to report milestones, deliver planned enhancements and ensure residents can see the impact of commitments made to Mecklenburg County.

Service Upgrades Effective October 5, 2026

Routes with 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 with 20-Minute Service

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

Increased Weekday Trips:

• Route 53x (Northlake Express): three additional peak trips (13 daily trips total)
• Route 61x (Arboretum/Waverly Express): three additional 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
• Route 177 (North Meck Connector): This new bus route will serve the following destinations hourly on weekdays:
  • Uptown Charlotte
  • Huntersville Gateway Park & Ride
  • Huntersville Northcross Park & Ride
  • Cornelius Park & Ride
  • Davidson Gateway

Microtransit Service Updates

• New Microtransit Zone in West Charlotte, launching with service until 9 p.m. daily. Serving destinations such as:
  • West Boulevard
  • Wilkinson Boulevard
  • Walmart (Wilkinson Boulevard)
  • Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
  • South Charlotte Veteran Affairs Clinic
  • Blue Line Woodlawn Station
• Extended Microtransit Hours
  • North Meck Micro Zone hours extended to 9 p.m. daily

CATS will continue building on these early improvements as additional phases of the Transit System Plan move forward. Complete maps and details for the October service change are available on the CATS Service Change website.

About the Charlotte Area Transit System

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is a department of the City of Charlotte and governed by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA). 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.