IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Judy Dellert-O’Keef (704) 432-0477
Jean Leier (704) 432-0496
TAKE THE 79X CONCORD MILLS EXPRESS TO THE RACE ON SATURDAY
Charlotte, NC, October 15, 2009 - If you are heading to the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the City of Concord and Lowe’s Motor Speedway want to remind you to hop aboard the 79X Concord Mills Express and relax on your way to and from the race.
On Saturday, October 17, CATS will operate additional service on Route 79X Concord Mills Express for fans attending the race. The buses will operate every 20 minutes from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Uptown Charlotte at the Charlotte Transportation Center located at 310 East Trade Street. After the race, the buses will be waiting for race fans to take them back to Uptown.
Round trip tickets for this service cost $6 per person and may be purchased in advance at the customer information booth inside the Charlotte Transportation Center, located at 310 East Trade Street. Customers choosing to pay aboard the bus will need to have exact fare. “Race fans and visitors staying in Center City now have a safe and convenient way to travel to Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Concord Mills Mall,” said Larry Kopf, CATS’ Interim Manager of Bus Operations. “The bus provides a direct link between both cities so now you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic. Let CATS do the driving for you.”
Starting at the Charlotte Transportation Center, the 79X Concord Mills Express provides service to Uptown Charlotte, Gateway Village, University City area, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Concord Mills Mall. The route offers additional transportation options by linking the CATS 79X Concord Mills Express with the Concord-Kannapolis Rider (CK Rider).
"We'll have a convenient drop-off and pickup location near the speedway’s main entrance for fans coming to the NASCAR Banking 500," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "Fans won't have to worry about how to get here and can concentrate on having a great time. This will make the entire race day experience more enjoyable for fans who take advantage of the new bus route."
The two-year operating cost for the 79X Concord Mills Express service is funded by Lowe’s Motor Speedway, City of Concord and CATS with the assistance of Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) funds. For additional information on the 79X Concord Mills Express, please contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-7433 or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.
