Charlotte transit riders who have opinions about their daily commute have two chances next week to help steer the city’s new "Better Bus" program. The Charlotte Area Transit System is asking the public to help set priorities for the initiative’s first year, with in-person sessions set for Tuesday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, May 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What CATS is asking riders to prioritize
The agency’s Better Bus plan centers on three core moves: boosting frequency on major corridors, upgrading bus stops with shelters and seating, and expanding CATS Micro on-demand zones across Mecklenburg County. CATS says the package is designed to put 15-minute service on key routes and increase access to jobs and essential services by shrinking wait times and improving transfers, according to CATS.
When and where to weigh in
CATS laid out the schedule on its Facebook page, listing an evening session at the Urban Design Center (1507 Camden Road) on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m. and a midday session at the Charlotte Transportation Center (310 E. Trade St.) on Thursday, May 28 from noon to 2:00 p.m., per the agency’s post. Riders who cannot make it in person can still weigh in through an online survey on PublicInput, which will remain open through June 12, 2026.
Budget and tradeoffs
Local reporting has noted that delivering every element of Better Bus will be costly and could force tradeoffs between bus upgrades and planned rail projects. Earlier this month, WFAE reported that initial estimates show the program could strain early years of the new transit sales-tax revenue, a point CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle acknowledged in interviews with reporters. Read more from WFAE.
How input will be used
CATS says rider feedback will shape which corridors, stops and microtransit zones get near-term attention. Once those priorities are set, the agency plans to return with recommended service changes scheduled between October 2026 and June 2027. The survey presents the effort as a five-year push to put Better Bus improvements in place and notes that more public engagement will follow as staff translate broad priorities into specific service changes, according to PublicInput.
Where to find more information
Riders can find the full meeting notice on CATS and review the plan and background materials on the Better Bus project page at CATS. The Facebook post includes the short bit.ly link to the survey, while the PublicInput page hosts the full survey form and supporting materials.
