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

CATS RECEIVES INTERMODAL INNOVATION AWARD

Charlotte, N.C., August 4, 2009- The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) received the Intermodal Innovation Award for Groundbreaking Initiatives at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) 38th National Meeting and Training Conference in Dallas, Texas. This award recognizes an organization that has developed and implemented ground breaking initiatives to link multiple transportation services to enhance mobility and the overall quality of life.

“CATS is at the forefront of developing and implementing services that connect neighborhoods and communities throughout the Charlotte region,” said John Muth, Interim Chief Executive Officer.  “In less than 10 years we have nearly doubled bus service, expanded shuttles to Charlotte neighborhoods, delivered commuting options to the surrounding counties and implemented light rail all while providing citizens with more choices and greater mobility.”

Planning of an extensive integrated bus, rail and land use plan began more than a decade ago. The 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan has allowed CATS to expand the system by increasing bus service and developing the 9.6-mile LYNX Blue Line, North Carolina‘s first light rail line. In the future, CATS also plans to expand bus routes and integrate enhanced bus, streetcar, bus rapid transit, commuter rail and extended light rail service into the transit system.

To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE (7433) or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.