IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jean Leier (704) 432-0496
            
CATS INSTALLS BRAILLE SIGNS ALONG GOLD RUSH ROUTES

Charlotte, N.C., January 23, 2008 - A new feature is now in place to assist CATS customers traveling in Center City.  The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has installed Braille markers at bus stops along the Gold Rush Red and Orange lines.  "We continually look at ways to improve the accessibility of our services," said Jim Zingale, CATS' Chief Operating Officer.  "The addition of Braille on our Gold Rush signage will make it easier for people with vision impairments to get around."
 
The Braille signs will help customers know if they're standing at a Gold Rush stop and whether the Red or Orange line stops at that location.  The wording in Braille will spell out either Red or Orange and two signs will be installed on each Gold Rush bus stop sign or pole.  The Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB) worked closely with CATS to determine the exact placement of the signs and will teach customers how to find the signs at CATS' bus stops.
 
The Gold Rush is a free service that transports customers to destinations across Center City Monday through Friday.  The Red Line travels Trade Street from McDowell to Sycamore from 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.  The Orange Line travels Tryon Street from Tenth Street to Carson Boulevard from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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