IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Contact:  Jennifer Green (704) 336-2267
                 Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

FTA Recognizes CATS for LYNX Blue Line and Growth Strategy

Charlotte, N.C., June 3, 2008 - Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) received the first annual Preeminent Southeast Transit Achievements and Recognition (STAR) Award from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Region IV Office on May 29th.   This honor is presented for outstanding innovation and development of best practices in public transportation.  CATS was recognized for the tremendous success of the LYNX Blue Line, a component of the Centers and Corridors Growth Strategy that proactively promotes sustainable development and strategic infrastructure investment to reduce sprawl.

“The Preeminent STAR Award recognizes exceptional contributions to public transportation and CATS is honored to be the first recipient of such a prestigious award,” said CATS CEO Keith Parker.  “But we didn’t achieve this alone.  CATS proudly accepts the award on behalf of our citizens.  Because of their support and patronage, the LYNX Blue Line is truly a success.” 

According to the FTA’s criteria, nominated projects must have significant, measurable results with demonstrated benefits.  Currently, an average of 13,000 riders a day use the LYNX Blue Line to access jobs, housing, entertainment and recreational activities along the line.  Ridership has continued to exceed the original first year forecasts of 9,100 trips per day by more than 40 percent. 

The LYNX Blue Line and related infrastructure also serve as an important stimulus to the local economy.  Private development investment along the line has topped $1.86 billion.  Property values in the corridor have grown by 52 percent since 2000, compared to the countywide average increase of 40 percent in the same time period. The city and county have benefited by these developments.  Since 2000, the private investments adjacent to the LYNX Blue Line have increased property tax receipts from $260,000 per year to over $6 million and projected to $24 million per year by 2011.

“Consistently high ridership numbers plus the amount of development happening along the corridor demonstrate the project’s benefits to the community,” said Parker.  “CATS received the STAR Award because the LYNX Blue Line is a milestone project for the region that will have positive impacts on our quality of life, now and in the future.”

For more information about CATS and its services, log onto www.ridetransit.org or call 704-336-RIDE.