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

CATS RIDERSHIP SPIKES IN APRIL

Charlotte, N.C., May 15, 2007 - With local gas prices for regular unleaded jumping 14 cents a gallon in the past month to 2.957 a gallon, more and more commuters are looking at getting some relief at the pump. 
 
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) saw a nine percent increase in ridership in April as gas prices continued to rise.  The 80X Concord Express, 85X Gastonia Express and 88X Lincoln County Express all saw double digit increases.  Neighborhood shuttle ridership rose over 148 percent, with the North Meck Village Rider service climbing nearly 30 percent and the Beatties Ford Neighborhood shuttle seeing a 17 percent increase in passengers. 
 
For more information about how you can save money by riding CATS services and plan your commuting route with CATS'  web trip planning, visit www.ridetransit.org or call (704) 336-RIDE.