EFFECTIVE JUNE 24, 2008
Attention Route 48X Huntersville Express Passengers
Routes 48X
As you are all aware, soaring gas prices have more and more commuters parking their cars and giving public transportation a try as a way to save money. Ridership on the 48X Huntersville Express has increased 19.4 percent in just the first six months of 2008. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is currently contacting businesses along the route that may be able to provide some extra spaces in their lots to relieve the overcrowding. In addition, staff is investigating the several suggestions for alternate parking that our customers have provided through CATS customer service line.
CATS is in the beginning stages of optioning a parcel of land, immediately adjacent to the Huntersville Gateway park and ride lot, which would allow us to expand. This .87 acre of land could provide an additional 91 parking spaces, which would increase the total number from 209 to 300.
Should the property appraisal and negotiations be successful and we are able to purchase the property, one scenario would be for CATS to submit construction drawings for review and permitting by mid-September of this year, and then following a construction bid and bid award, build and open the lot sometime in the second quarter of 2009.
In the meantime, CATS asks that you park in designated parking spaces only at the Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride Lot. Parking in non-designated spots and creating hazards for other commuters in the lot could result in a parking citation. CATS Park and Ride rules are posted at the lot entrance.
Gateway Boulevard, the street that provides access to the Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride Lot, is a private street and CATS does not have any spaces outside the designated park and ride lot. Property owners in this development own the adjacent on-street parking abutting their parcels.
Parking on Gateway Boulevard could result in a parking ticket or towing by the private businesses over which we have no control or authority.
CATS passengers may find the Route 53X Northlake Express and the Route 77X North Mecklenburg Express convenient options for their daily commute. The Northlake Mall Park and Ride is located at 6801 Northlake Mall Dr. and the Huntersville Northcross Park and Ride is located at 17126 Northcross Dr.
The Route 53X Northlake Mall Express service operates four morning trips and four afternoon trips between uptown and Northlake Mall. The afternoon service leaves 4th and McDowell every thirty minutes between 4:05 pm and 5:35pm. The morning service leaves the Northlake Park and Ride Lot between 6:30 am and 8:05 am.
The Route 77X North Mecklenburg operates twelve morning trips and thirteen afternoon trips between uptown and Huntersville Northcross. The route also provides mid-day service to Northlake Mall and the Huntersville Northcross Park and Ride Lots.
Park and Ride Passengers needing additional information concerning the Route 53X Northlake Mall Express and the Route 77X North Mecklenburg Express may call 704-336-RIDE.
CATS will keep you informed as the short and long term plans for the Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride progress. It is our intention to keep you involved and keep you aware of any issues that could affect your daily commute.
Thank you for riding CATS.
