Charlotte, North Carolina’s public transportation system is on the verge of a significant transformation aimed at improving service reliability and expanding access to key areas. The city’s ambitious “Better Bus Program” promises more frequent routes, upgraded shelters, and the introduction of an on-demand micro-transit service called CATS Micro. This multi-faceted plan seeks to address long-standing challenges in public transit, providing riders with a smoother and more efficient experience.
For many residents like Clayton Sealey, public transportation is more than just an option; it’s a daily necessity.
“I ride public transportation every day, whether it be the light rail or the bus,” Sealey shared with WCNC Charlotte. As a strong advocate of public transit, Sealey appreciates how it has enabled him to access different parts of the city. “I’ve been able to go to events in Plaza Midwood, meetings in Camp North End, and explore different parts of the city while going about my daily life.”
However, Sealey highlighted a major pain point: reliability.
“No rider wants to get left behind,” he said. “If you miss that one bus and you have to be somewhere—or worse, risk losing your job because you showed up late—you’re going to choose to buy a car instead.”
Charlotte’s Better Bus Program aims to change that by ensuring dependable service that keeps people riding. The city’s ultimate goal, if fully funded, is to expand bus service by 50% over the next five years. This includes cutting wait times on key routes to 15-minute intervals, which would benefit 60% of current riders. Additionally, the plan involves adding 89 new buses and constructing 2,000 new bus shelters, benches, and waiting pads.
These improvements are exactly what riders like Sealey have been advocating for.
“Buses have to come often, they have to be safe, and they have to be clean,” Sealey emphasized. “The stops need to be places where you can sit and wait comfortably.”
One of the most exciting features of the upgrade is the CATS Microservice, designed to serve communities in north Mecklenburg County. Launching on February 24, CATS Micro offers an on-demand, curb-to-curb transit experience similar to services like Uber and Lyft but at a fraction of the cost. Riders can book trips through an app or a call center, and the fare will match standard bus prices—just $2.20 per ride.
During a recent Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) meeting, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) representative Elizabeth Presutti outlined how CATS Micro would work.
“We anticipate the wait time for trips to be no longer than 30 minutes,” Presutti explained. “You will be able to book your trip in real-time, providing greater flexibility and access.”
CATS Micro aims to enhance transportation options by connecting riders to places traditional bus routes do not directly reach, including neighborhoods in north Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson. The service is designed to improve access to employment, healthcare, education, and other key locations.
While some of these improvements are already underway, full implementation will require funding through a proposed one-cent sales tax increase. City leaders are urging voters to support the tax, emphasizing that it will enable a comprehensive overhaul of the public transportation system.
To engage the community and provide information about the new services, CATS is organizing a series of town hall and pop-up meetings leading up to the launch of CATS Micro. The first town hall meeting is scheduled for February 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cornelius Town Hall. Additional meetings will take place on February 6 at Huntersville Town Hall from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on February 18 at Davidson Town Hall from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The pop-up events will kick off on February 11 at the Village Rider Bus Stop near Northlake Mall, running from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Additional pop-ups will be held on February 12 at Huntersville Gateway Park & Ride from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on February 18 at Cornelius Park & Ride from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
City officials, including Adam Thiel, managing director of Philadelphia, acknowledged the challenges ahead but remain optimistic about the program’s potential impact.
“I won’t say normalcy because that is going to take much longer,” Thiel stated, referencing the extensive infrastructure and service improvements required. “But we are focused on allowing regular activities to take place throughout that area.”
Residents and transportation advocates hope these developments will bring lasting change to Charlotte’s public transit system, making it a viable and attractive option for more people.
For Sealey and many other riders, the promise of a better-connected and more reliable bus network is a welcome step toward improving quality of life. “Transportation should empower people to live their lives without unnecessary obstacles,” Sealey said. “This program gives me hope that we’re moving in the right direction.”
As the program gains momentum, all eyes will be on voter support for the proposed funding. If successful, Charlotte could become a model for innovative and efficient public transportation in cities across the country.
