Fast, easy, reliable bus and microtransit – but only if you vote for it
As the region grows, so do the opportunities and the challenges of getting around. Here in Mecklenburg County, the proposed one-percent county-wide sales tax referendum offers a once-in-a-generation chance to build a transit system that truly works for everyone.
20 % of the revenue will go to strengthening bus service and adding 18 new microtransit zones. That means faster rides plus better access to jobs, improved bus stops, and smart new microtransit options.
Connecting more people with jobs and schools
With the tax in place, an estimated 320,000+ more jobs will be reachable by public transit. In the “Better Bus” framework, the aim is to add many more frequent-service routes, making it realistic for far more people to use the bus to get to school or work reliably.
(Map of the future Better Bus system if the referendum passes on November 4. View enlarged map at MeckConnect.com)
What that means in practice: imagine living in a neighborhood where the bus comes every 15 minutes.. Imagine being able to reach your school or job without depending on a car, or being stranded waiting for a bus that runs infrequently. That vision becomes possible when a meaningful share of funding is dedicated to bus service. That’s exactly what this referendum would do.
More frequent buses and better reliability
Frequency is the hallmark of a transit system you can count on. The top 15 bus corridors will see 15-minute frequency, and all routes will achieve 30-minute frequency or better.
That shift changes everything: less waiting, fewer missed connections, more freedom to hop on a bus spontaneously instead of planning around a twice-an-hour schedule. For parents, students, workers with early or late shifts, frequent and reliable buses matter. For neighborhoods historically underserved by transit, they’re a way to level the field.
Upgraded bus stops: Safer, more comfortable, more welcoming
It’s also about the rider experience at bus stops. The plan includes 2,000 improved bus stops including new shelters, benches, waiting pads, more comfortable and safe waiting environments. Good stops send the message that public transit is important, accessible, respectable. They help people feel safe and valued when they choose the bus over driving.
Microtransit: flex-riding for more neighborhoods
Another forward-looking piece is microtransit — on-demand, curb-to-curb service in zones across the county. The plan envisions 18 new microtransit zones. This matters especially for residents in suburban or outer areas where a fixed bus route may not yet be practical. With microtransit, someone could call or book a ride-share-style vehicle that connects into the broader transit network, bringing jobs, school access, medical appointments, grocery access into reach.
(Here’s an example of one of 18 planned new microtransit routes. View them all at https://meckconnect.com/about-meck-connect/microtransit/)
Why your “Yes” vote matters
Here’s the core of why you should take action and vote in support of this tax. First, a meaningful investment in bus service is about equity and accessibility. When people without a car, or with limited mobility, have real transit options, they gain access to jobs, training, education, and everyday opportunities.
Second, in a fast-growing region like ours, congestion is a drag on our economy and quality of life. Better transit means fewer cars on the road, faster trips, and lower stress. It means taking action now, rather than waiting until gridlock is overwhelming.
Third, the fact that 20% of the revenue is explicitly designated for bus and microtransit shows the plan recognizes buses are the backbone of the transit network. Rail gets headlines, but countless residents rely on buses daily. This piece of the investment speaks to their needs.
Finally, as we’ve emphasized previously, when you have a strong transit backbone built of frequent buses, microtransit zones, and good stops — you unlock the ability for rail, bike, walking, and complete streets to safely connect people to that transit network.
For all of us, and for the long term
We need a transit system that reflects our values of inclusion, mobility, and preparation for future growth. A tax increase isn’t trivial, but a one-cent difference now could mean decades of improved access, better school and job connectivity, and a transit system that lifts everyone.
We hope you’ll join us in voting YES for the 1% sales tax referendum so that the 20 % for bus service becomes a reality. Together, we can make the bus system in Mecklenburg County not just acceptable but excellent!
Thanks for reading!
As a nonprofit, community support is essential for us to keep doing what we do — including providing free articles like this. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting Sustain Charlotte.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.