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

CATS GOES GREEN WITH NEW BUS ROUTE TO THE AIRPORT

Charlotte, N.C., September 4, 2009  - Get ready to travel a whole new way in Charlotte and help the environment at the same time.  Join Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, District 3 Council member Warren Turner, District 4 Council member James Mitchell, Camp Greene Neighborhood Association President Brian Fincher and Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Interim CEO John Muth on September 10 at 10 a.m. as they kick-off the Sprinter enhanced bus service.  The event will be held in the parking lot at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 3240 Wilkinson Boulevard.

"The Sprinter enhanced bus service is part of the approved 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan and is the first enhanced bus service implemented by CATS," said Mayor McCrory.  "This new service uses a fleet of hybrid buses that produces fewer emissions and improves the quality of life for Charlotte's residents."

The service will operate along Trade Street, West Morehead Street and Wilkinson Boulevard, providing more efficient service to destination points such as the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC), retail and health centers, neighborhoods and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. With consolidated convenient stops along the corridor, Sprinter will provide 20-minute service weekdays and 30-minute service weeknights and weekends.  

Camp Greene Neighborhood President Brian Fincher says the community has been waiting for the Sprinter to arrive.  "We have many residents that use CATS to travel to and from work and the increased frequency of the service will help them get to their destination quicker.  The wider aisles and luggage racks are also features that will be beneficial to commuters and travelers."

The new service will have new shelter designs and passenger amenities.   Real time digital schedule signs will be located at key stops along the route.  Sprinter will replace the existing Route 5 Airport.  Service begins on September 14, 2009.

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