MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting multiple meetings to hear from the public on its microtransit initiative.
As WCNC Charlotte has previously reported, CATS will be using its mobile app to allow customers the ability to hail an on-demand ride through the microtransit program. Similar to private ride-sharing apps, the trips are curb-to-curb but are restricted to select zones.
CATS received $750,000 through federal funding last June to help implement the program.
Now, the microtransit initiative is coming to the towns of Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius. CATS has scheduled several meetings to focus on the proposed strategy to replace the Village Rider routes 97, 98 and 99 with its microtransit services. CATS is also looking to discontinue 47x, the Huntersville Greenhouse Express between the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Metrolina Greenhouses in east Huntersville, due to low ridership.
CATS will hold public meetings at the following locations:
- Aug. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride
- 10300 Compass St., Huntersville
- Aug. 29 from 5-7 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall & Community Center - Lower Level
- 251 South St., Davidson
- Sept. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Northlake Mall at the Route 99 bus stop
- 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte
- Virtual viaCATS YouTube
- Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.
- Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Cornelius Park and Ride
- 20300 Sefton Park Road, Cornelius
Similar meetings were held in March.
CATS looks to have the microtransit service operational early next year.
CATS urges anyone in need of accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services to contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-7433 ahead of the meeting.