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

CATS HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE
OF THE 83X MOORESVILLE EXPRESS

Charlotte, N.C., May 6, 2008 - The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss the potential discontinuation of Route 83X Mooresville Express due to funding constraints.  The meeting will be held at the Francis Auditorium, located inside the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Main Library at 310 North Tryon Street.

While ridership on the 83X remains steady with a year-to-date increase of 2.4 percent over the same time last year, its future is unknown.  "The half-cent sales tax is dedicated toward transit improvements in Mecklenburg County," said Larry Kopf, CATS Chief Planning Officer.  "The great partnerships we have had with the six counties surrounding Mecklenburg have allowed us to provide a regional service for commuters."  
           
Under the policy, entities outside of Mecklenburg County must fund half of the transit service.   Currently the Town of Mooresville Board of Commissioners is reviewing whether to continue to fund the 83X Mooresville Express when the service contract expires on June 30, 2008.  CATS is working with the Town of Mooresville and the riders of the 83X Mooresville Express as funding options are considered.
 
For more information on CATS and its services, visit www.ridetransit.org or call (704) 336-RIDE.