IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jean Leier (704) 432-0496         

CATS SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT ON PROPOSED DISCONTINUATION OF SOUTH END SHUTTLE

Charlotte, N.C., March 2, 2007 - The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will hold two open house meetings to get community feedback on a proposal to discontinue the South End Shuttle.  CATS introduced the South End Shuttle in February 2006 as an alternative service for the Charlotte Historic Trolley, which is temporarily suspended during construction of the LYNX Blue Line.  But because of low ridership, CATS' staff is proposing to discontinue the service.

"We have examined ridership on the South End Shuttle closely over the past few months and it is one of our lowest performing routes," said Larry Kopf, CATS' Chief Operations Planning Officer. 

"We're proposing to discontinue the service because we have to put resources where the need is greatest."

The public is invited to the open house meetings to provide input regarding the proposal.  The meetings will be held:

 Monday, March 5, 2007
 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
 Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library
 Dalton Room
 310 North Tryon Street
 Charlotte, NC 28202

 Wednesday, March 7, 2007
 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
 Charlotte Trolley, Inc.
 Atherton Mill Office
 2104 South Boulevard
 Charlotte, NC 28203
 
The South End Shuttle closely mirrors the Charlotte Trolley, connecting Uptown and the South End area, seven days a week.

To learn more about CATS and its services visit www.ridetransit.org or call (704) 336-RIDE.