Over the past several years, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has advanced major initiatives under its Envision My Ride program to create a more responsive, community‑focused transit network. As part of this effort, CATS launched the Better Bus Plan, a post‑pandemic service redesign guided by updated operational data, travel patterns, and socio‑economic insights. The goal: Improve travel times, expand access for disadvantaged communities, and better align bus service with underserved, growing, and high‑demand markets throughout Mecklenburg County.
To support this effort, Foursquare ITP conducted a comprehensive market assessment and a systemwide operational opportunities analysis to understand how transit could more effectively serve the Charlotte region. These analyses identified where ridership demand is growing, which routes are performing strongly, and where targeted improvements can maximize equity, access, and service efficiency.
The resulting service design focuses on creating a network that is both feasible to implement in the near term and flexible enough to support future enhancements. This approach reduces the need for future route realignments while preparing the system for added frequency, expanded coverage, and rail integration over the next 30 years.
Solutions and Outcomes
- Completed detailed market and existing‑conditions assessments to understand how travel trends have shifted post‑pandemic.
- Designed a refined network planned for 2025 implementation to better meet evolving travel needs.
- Developed a long‑term, community‑focused plan that strengthens coordination across the agency and builds on past initiatives.