MENU
SEARCHThis wage is 31 cents higher than operators in Brooklyn, NY, where the cost of living is between 22%-41% higher than in the Charlotte area.
In addition to the highest wages, paratransit operators at CATS are eligible for shift differential.
Photo: CATS
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) announced that its paratransit operators will now be paid among the highest wages in the country with the starting base rate at $23.31 per hour, an increase of $3.31 per hour.
This wage is 31 cents higher than operators in Brooklyn, NY, where the cost of living is between 22%-41% higher than in the Charlotte area.
In addition to the highest wages, paratransit operators at CATS are eligible for shift differential. Employees regularly assigned to second or third shifts are eligible to receive an additional 2.5% premium added to their weekly base pay.
On top of equitable wages, paratransit operators at CATS are City of Charlotte employees, making them eligible for the competitive city benefits package including being a part of the state retirement system, in addition to a 401k program.
“Competitive and fair benefits, as well as recognizing our employees' hard work, is always a goal for CATS. Our employees are the backbone of our organization, this latest increase in wages reflects our unwavering support of the important work our paratransit drivers do each and every day,” said Brent Cagle, Interim CEO of CATS.
New hires are immediately placed on payroll following pre-employment testing, allowing for paid training at the new starting pay wage and immediate access to medical benefits.
A CDL and COVID vaccine are not required for paratransit operators.
‘’With this latest achievement, we believe CATS is a leader in the industry when it comes to equitable compensation for professional operators in the paratransit field. By raising awareness of the specialized role that paratransit operators play, other transportation services across the country may begin to reassess wage standards for non-CDL professional operators”, said Jennifer Fehribach, GM of the Bus Operations Division.
Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.
Read More →
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Read More →
Step inside AMF Bruns of America’s 41,000-square-foot facility in Stow, Ohio, where expanded manufacturing capacity, modernized operations, and a focus on next-generation mobility solutions are shaping the company’s growth in accessible transportation.
Read More →
With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.
Read More →
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
Read More →
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
Read More →
The new HARTPlus SUVs — 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility models — represent a significant step toward modernizing mobility and enhancing service for paratransit riders throughout Hillsborough County.
Read More →
See how leading agencies integrate eligibility, operations, staffing, and rider access to protect service and public dollars.
Read More →
Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.
Read More →