IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 
Contact:  Kiera Terrell (704) 432-3030

TICKET CHECKING BLITZ ON LYNX BLUE LINE

Charlotte, N.C., August 11, 2009 - As a part of an enhancement to the City ordinance on fare inspection that went into effect in January of 2009, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) safety and security personnel will conduct a fare blitz on LYNX platforms at the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) and the 3rd Street Station. On Wednesday, August 12th Fare Inspectors and Transit Police will be requesting to see proof- of- payment from persons who are present in the designated fare zone areas located on each LYNX platform. Fare zone areas are delineated on LYNX platforms by blue lines and customers within a fare zone must possess a valid transit pass/ticket and present proof-of-payment when requested.  Customers found without a valid pass or an expired pass within the fare zone or on a  Light Rail Vehicle will receive a $50 civil citation.  If a customer indicates that the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) is not working, the Fare Inspectors and Police will be able to confirm when TVMs are not operational.  “CATS’ LYNX system operates on a “proof- of- payment” fare collection system, customers should remember to keep their tickets handy until exiting to their destination” said Marvin Bohon, Manager of Safety and Security.
               
Each LYNX Station has at least two TVMs, typically one on each platform. If a TVM is not working, customers are instructed to use the other TVM to purchase a ticket regardless of which direction they are heading.  To ensure you arrive at your destination on time please arrive at a LYNX station early enough to purchase a ticket.
     
In addition to the one-way and round-trip tickets sold at TVMs, customers can also purchase 7 day passes at TVMs. Weekly and monthly passes are available at many convenient locations including the Charlotte Transportation Center, Harris Teeter and Food Lion Grocery Stores and many employers in the Uptown area.
                                                                                                         
Ten Ride Passes are not valid on the LYNX Blue Line.
              
To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.