Envision My Ride:
Bus Priority Study
In Fall 2020, CATS will kick-off a Bus Priority Study. The study will serve as the 3rd phase of Envision My Ride. It will identify ways to enhance the speed and reliability of the bus network.
CATS and Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) staff will work to determine how corridor specific "bus treatments" can be implemented to provide quicker commutes for riders.
Examples of bus treatments include:
- Dedicated bus only lanes to improve speed and reliability
- Queue jumpers that allow buses to jump ahead at a traffic light
- Transit signal priority for buses at key intersections
- Amenity improvements
- Mobility hub locations
As a precursor to the Bus Priority Study, CATS and CDOT implemented a dedicated bus/bike lane pilot program in Uptown Charlotte that began December 16, 2019. CATS and CDOT are currently collaborating on second bus lane pilot along Central Avenue.”
Bus Lane Pilots
As a precursor to the Bus Priority Study, CATS and CDOT have identified corridors to pilot bus lanes throughout Charlotte. These pilots will be implemented in 3-phases.
On December 16, 2020 CATS and the CDOT implemented a in Uptown Charlotte. The dedicated lane used the existing bike lane and the rightmost travel lane to create a single combined bus/bike lane between South McDowell and the Charlotte Transportation Center.
In October 2020, the dedicated bus lane pilot will expand beyond 4th Street to the outer segment of Central Avenue. Phase II will include a bus lane and bike lane between the Eastland Community Transit Center and Eastway Dr.
Phase 3: Central Ave (Eastway to Uptown)
With the success of Phases 1 and 2, the two lanes could eventually be connected during a Phase 3 extension to Uptown. Through the Bus Priority effort, CATS will begin to identify potential priority treatments for this segment. Stay tuned for more information on how you can be involved throughout the process.
