CATS' OCTOBER RIDERSHIP HITS ALL-TIME HIGH

Charlotte, N.C., November 20, 2007-The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) experienced its highest single month ridership ever in October when customers took more than 1,850,000 trips on its services; an average of 69,000 weekday trips.  "Customers have learned that riding CATS is an easy and more affordable way to travel," said Jim Zingale, CATS' Chief Operating Officer.  "As gas prices continue to rise, many commuters are parking their cars and riding transit."

Ridership for the month of October increased 8.9 percent across all services, as compared to October 2006.  During the month, ridership on local and express bus services grew 7.4 percent, while regional express services increased by 25 percent. Community circulators and activity center circulators both had double-digit increases at 31.9 percent and 12.8 percent, respectively.  Special Transportation Services (STS) reported more than 21,000 trips in October, an increase of 4.5 percent, setting a new record for most trips in a single month.

"CATS listens to what our customers want and we have improved and expanded our services to make riding CATS convenient and the preferred mode of travel for thousands," said Zingale

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

With 63,000 daily commuters, expanded services, improved bus shelters, new transit centers and services for the disabled, transit is attracting more and more people to get out of their cars and ride CATS. These are just a few of the ways CATS keeps the whole Charlotte region moving forward.  For more information on commuting choices, visit ridetransit.org.