Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has shared updates about its Better Bus program, including improvements already underway and more coming in 2027.
We’re especially excited because these are exactly the kinds of improvements we advocated for during nearly a decade of work to secure dedicated transportation funding.
CATS began rolling out several improvements in October 2026:
- Central Avenue (Route 9): Buses every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
- Airport Sprinter (Route 5): Every 15 minutes on weekdays and 20 minutes on weekends.
- Kings Drive (Route 6): Every 20 minutes on weekdays.
- Express routes: More trips to Northlake and Arboretum/Waverly, plus new midday service to Matthews.
- North Mecklenburg: A new connector serving Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson park-and-ride locations.
These changes mean less waiting and more flexibility for everyday trips.
CATS began introducing more frequent bus service and expanded connections in October 2026. (Source: CATS)
More improvements coming in 2027
Starting in February 2027, CATS plans to offer:
- Beatties Ford Road: Buses every 15 minutes between Uptown and Sunset Road, with simpler routes.
- South Tryon Street (Route 16): Every 15 minutes on weekdays and 20 minutes on weekends.
- Lawyers Road and Harrisburg: Additional express bus trips.
In June 2027, Statesville Avenue (Route 21) will get 15-minute weekday service and more frequent Sunday service. Providence Road (Route 14) will also gain additional Sunday service.
More frequent buses and expanded service are planned for February 2027. (Source: CATS)
A new West Charlotte zone connects destinations along West Boulevard and Wilkinson Boulevard, including the airport, the farmers market, the VA Medical Clinic, and the Woodlawn Blue Line station.
In February 2027, another zone is planned for Beatties Ford Road and North End, connecting neighborhoods and destinations including Camp North End, Optimist Hall, and the Parkwood Blue Line station.
These services can help close transportation gaps in neighborhoods where traditional bus routes don’t reach every destination.
CATS launched microtransit in the West Zone in October 2026. (Source: CATS)
Better bus stops matter
CATS’ Better Bus program identifies more than 2,300 bus stop improvements, including shelters, benches, and accessible boarding areas. As of July 2026, 78 improvements were complete and 45 more were in progress.
Sustain Charlotte strongly supports accelerating this work because it’s important for everyone to have a place to sit, and protection from the sun and rain.
This is why we fought for transportation funding!
For nearly a decade, Sustain Charlotte advocated for dedicated funding to improve public transportation in Mecklenburg County.
We knew our growing region needed more than just the transit system we already had. We needed frequent, reliable, accessible service that makes riding transit a convenient choice. That’s why voters’ approval of the one-cent transportation sales tax in November 2025 was such a historic victory!
The new funding makes it possible to expand bus service, improve stops, strengthen connections, and invest in future rail service. The Better Bus improvements show what sustained investment in public transportation can deliver.
Ready to give transit a try?
With more frequent buses and new connections, now is a great time to explore your options! Visit RideTransit.org for routes, schedules, and updates.
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