Take the Survey!
We are encouraging the public to provide feedback through a survey, which will close on November 13, 2020.

Phase 2: Central Ave Bus Lane
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) are working together to implement a new dedicated bus lane along Central Ave from Eastway Dr to the Eastland Transit Center. This dedicated bus lane will also feature an existing bike lane. The eastbound side traveling towards the Eastland Transit Center is expected to open on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. The westbound side traveling towards Eastway Dr is expected to open on Thursday, October 8, 2020.


CATS and CDOT will implement an additional dedicated bus lane on Central Avenue from Eastway to the Eastland Transit Center. The dedicated bus lane will use the existing rightmost travel lane, maintaining the existing bike lane. With the success of Phases 1 and 2, the two lanes could eventually be connected during a Phase 3 extension.

Phase 1: Shared Bus-Bike Lane
CATS and CDOT implemented the City’s first Shared Bus-Bike Laneon December 16, 2019. The dedicated lane on 4th Street used the existing bicycle lane and the rightmost travel lane between S. McDowell Street and the CTC to create a single combined bus/bike lane.

Envision My Ride
Before 2016, CATS operated a hub-and-spoke bus system, often requiring riders to transfer at the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) in Uptown to reach their destination. This was an insufficient model that created long commutes for bus riders. In 2016, CATS staff launched Envision My Ride, a three-phased initiative to redesign the bus network to make it more reliable, consistent and efficient.
Phase 1 Restructuring:
In 2017, CATS restructured existing bus routes to provide cross-town connections, more direct service, increased connections to the LYNX Blue Line and increased frequency on various routes.
Phase 2 Frequency:
CATS began the effort of increasing frequency across the system, by increasing frequency on core routes.
Phase 3 Reliability:
CATS will focus on efficiency through a Bus Priority Study slated to begin this fall. CATS will also evaluate potential corridors for these treatments while looking at the possibility of enhanced amenities at stop locations and Mobility Hubs to create an overall better rider experience. Enhancements may include dedicated bus lanes, amenity enhancements and more.