The Charlotte Area Transit System has announced the launch of an online comment map for Envision My Ride, CATS’ initiative to redesign the current bus system. The online comment tool, which can be found on CATS’ website, presents proposed service changes for nearly every bus route in CATS’ system.
The online tool is designed to collect rider feedback on specific routes. Citizens can comment on the proposed route changes by clicking on the route of interest and typing comments in the text box located in the upper left hand corner of the webpage. Route numbers must be included in the comments submitted. Public comments will be accepted through Friday, April 6.
Through Envision My Ride, CATS plans to study bus route structure and frequency to determine how to improve the system to better meet the needs of the Charlotte region. Key considerations include better cross-town and suburb-to-suburb bus service, connections between bus and rail services, improved frequency of service and more direct services.
“The route adjustments proposed on the website are draft recommendations developed by staff using input received through the first phase of public outreach. CATS is looking for public comments in order to make final recommendations,” noted Larry Kopf, CATS chief operations planning officer. “We are inviting the public to review the proposals on the website to tell us what they think about them.”
After public comments are collected on the proposed route changes, CATS plans to review the feedback to make changes to the proposals, before presenting recommendations to the Metropolitan Transit Commission for adoption.
Phase 1 of Envision My Ride will roll out on March 19, 2018 after the opening of the LYNX Blue Line Extension. Over 20 bus routes will be changed and 700 bus stops will be affected. Bus route changes were developed based on public comments received in 2017, and were approved by the MTC.
