The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) announced a pilot program with Lyft and Passport, the developer of CATSPass app, which will provide greater connectivity to jobs and education by providing affordable and reliable transportation with Lyft on the first and last mile of a person's commute in areas where transit service may be too far away. The pilot program will be offered at two LYNX stations and the area surrounding the stations.

For passengers needing a Lyft ride to or from the JW Clay/UNC Charlotte station or the Parkwood Station, CATS will provide a $4 contribution toward the Lyft fare.

A trip must originate or terminate at either of those two station locations and end or start in the specified area around each station. These areas were selected to fill gaps in the existing transit network to provide better access to the region's extended rail system. Choosing the Parkwood Station as one of the two sites, allows for the opportunity to partner with the North End Smart District, and the residents, city leaders, and partners who are working together to create a great quality of life and achieve equitable outcomes through the use of technology, data, and collaboration.

"This pilot is a new, innovative and cost effective way to provide greater service and connectivity to our customers," said CATS Executive Director John Lewis. "It provides a good alternative in certain areas where it is not cost-effective to operate a route with multiple buses running all day."

Partnering with companies like Lyft and Passport allows CATS to expend funds for trips only when demand is needed versus running a route all day with multiple buses when demand ebbs and flows in areas where service is limited.