On October 16, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) celebrated the launch of a new West Charlotte microtransit zone and other recent transit service upgrades at the Renaissance West Community Initiative.

The celebration brought together West Charlotte residents, CATS and MPTA leadership, and elected officials from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Attendees heard remarks from Interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle, MPTA Chair David Howard, and community leaders.

“This new West Charlotte microtransit zone reflects the commitment we made to bring convenient and reliable mobility options to every part of the county,” Cagle said. “Residents asked for better connections and more service choices, and this zone delivers action on that promise.”

The microtransit expansion, now available along the West Boulevard corridor, is part of the first wave of transit enhancements made possible by Mecklenburg County voters through last year’s transit referendum. These improvements reflect the early commitments delivered through the CATS 2055 Transit System Plan.

The West Charlotte microtransit zone aims to strengthen community access to one of the region’s largest employment corridors, offering another way to travel to destinations within the West Boulevard corridor daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., including:

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
• South Charlotte Veteran Affairs Clinic
• Walmart on Wilkinson Boulevard
• Blue Line Woodlawn Station

CATS Expands Service as Part of 2055 Transit System Plan

Howard emphasized that microtransit expansion is an important milestone in modernizing the regional network.

“Microtransit has already proven to be a success in the North Mecklenburg Zone,” he said. “Building upon this success in West Charlotte ensures residents see real benefits early in the implementation of a long-term vision voters supported.”

In addition to the new West Charlotte microtransit service, CATS debuted several systemwide enhancements on October 5, including increased frequency on select bus routes, extended microtransit service hours in North Mecklenburg and the launch of a new weekday connector route in northern Mecklenburg County.

These early updates represent the first phase of delivering on commitments outlined in the 2055 Transit System Plan. CATS will continue rolling out improvements, highlighting milestones and ensuring residents can see the impact of voter-approved investment in a stronger, more connected transit network.

“Charlotte is growing quickly, and it’s critical that long‑time residents benefit from that growth,” said Mayor Rob Harrington. “The new West Charlotte microtransit zone is a clear example of public investment turning into real service for the community. Safe, reliable transportation strengthens neighborhoods and expands opportunity for families across this corridor.”