CATS to Reduce Bus Service Frequencies

Jayla Gittens
Jayla.Gittens@charlottenc.gov
7/27/2022
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Contact: 980-257-4859

CATSPR@charlottenc.gov   

CATS to Reduce Bus Service Frequencies

Charlotte, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will reduce its bus service frequencies due to a shortage of operators, effective Aug. 15, 2022. These service reductions will maximize the system's reliability and minimize missed trips.

 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, transit systems across the country continue to face challenges related to labor shortages. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 92% of public transit agencies state they are having difficulty hiring new employees, especially bus operators. CATS is dedicated to providing the best and most reliable service possible, regardless of limited personnel.

 

Transit Management of Charlotte (TMOC), the organization that manages CATS' bus operations and maintenance, is working to employ more bus operators via job fairs, recruitment tactics and hiring campaigns. CATS and TMOC are seeking extraordinary people to join the team and help achieve CATS' mission of providing essential mobility solutions that connect communities to opportunity, places and each other. Learn more and apply at RideTransit.org.

 

As a result of these labor shortages, CATS is making an effort to increase reliability. This has required planned adjustments in frequency for certain routes in order to utilize resources efficiently without giving up dependable service. To be clear, no routes will be cut, frequencies of routes will only be altered.

 

The following routes will be impacted by frequency reductions:

 

 

Route Current Frequency (minutes) Modified Frequency (minutes) Notes
5 – Sprinter Airport153020-minute service from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
6 – Kings Drive2030 
7 – Beatties Ford152015-minutes outbound from Uptown: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 – Tuckaseegee2030 
9 – Central101510-minute service outbound from Uptown: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; 1 early morning trip
10 – West Boulevard2030 
11 – North Tryon2030 
16 – South Tryon1530 
21 – Statesville Avenue203020-minute service outbound from Uptown: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
27 – Monroe153020-minute service outbound from Uptown: 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
34 – Freedom Drive2030 
LYNX Blue Line152020-minutes from 5:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., then 30-minutes until 2:00 a.m.

 

 

In addition, the following routes will see modifications to certain trips, specified below:

Route 1 – Mount Holly: Will eliminate the 11:41 p.m. and 12:41 a.m. inbound trips and 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. outbound trips.

Route 4 – Belmont: Will eliminate the first morning outbound trip at 5:29 a.m.

Route 11 – North Tryon: Will eliminate the 11:31 p.m. and 12:29 a.m. inbound trips and the 11:55 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. outbound trips.

Route 12 – South Boulevard: Will eliminated the 6:14 a.m. inbound trip and the late night short turn trips between Scaleybark and Pressley Road area at 1:06 a.m. (outbound) and 2:03 a.m. (inbound).

Route 34 – Freedom Drive: Will eliminate the 11:31 p.m. inbound trip only.

Route 60 – Tyvola: Will convert midday trips serving Jackson Park to serve the V.A. Hospital.

Routes 48x – Northcross Express, 63x – Huntersville Express and 77x – North Mecklenburg Express: Will be reduced by three trips each day. Trip times will be shifted up to account for the adjustment.

 

CATS will host a series of public meetings regarding these changes. Visit RideTransit.org to learn more.

 

Please refer to the individual route schedules for more information and download the CATS-Pass app for real-time bus and CityLYNX Gold Line information. Riders with questions or concerns should email TellTransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-RIDE (7433).

 

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About the Charlotte Area Transit System
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is a department of the City of Charlotte and governed by the Metropolitan Transit Commission. CATS is the largest transit system between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, offering bus, light rail, streetcar, vanpool and paratransit services. Learn more by visiting RideTransit.org or follow CATS on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.