How to use the TVM:

LYNX TVMs are bilingual in English and Spanish.  To activate the Spanish language feature, press the arrow to the left of the word Espanol.

 To begin your purchase, select the type of ticket. Make your selection by pressing the arrow key associated with your choice.

On the next screen, please select your rider category. Use the arrows on the right to increase the number of tickets you need to purchase.  To decrease the number of tickets, press the arrow key on the left.  Now press the "buy" key. Remember, to purchase a senior/disabled or student/youth ticket, you must have a valid transit id or Medicare card.

Next, review your selection and insert your payment. If you make an error or change your mind during your transaction, you may hit the cancel button and your transaction will be cancelled. To get to the previous screen, press the "go back" key.

 Coins are to be inserted into the coin slot located in the center of the machine.  Bills are to be inserted into the slot labeled "cash" located on the bottom right. The largest bill accepted is $20; coins can be used, however, pennies are not accepted. 

Coming in the 1st quarter of 2008, customers may choose to use their debit or credit card to purchase tickets. To use your debit card, swipe your card in the debit/credit card slot located in the upper right hand corner. LYNX TVMs accept Mastercard and VISA credit cards. Debit/credit is scheduled for 1st quarter 2008.

 Once your payment has been confirmed, your ticket(s) will be printed. Lastly, remove your ticket(s) and don't forget any change.

TICKET TYPES

One-way ride
A one-way ride ticket is valid for one light rail trip in one direction. It expires 90 minutes from the time indicated on the ticket and customers can get on and off if they continue in the same original direction during that 90 minutes. In addition, the ticket can be used to transfer to the bus service of equal value if used within 90 minutes

Day pass
A day pass is valid for one calendar day and expires at 12-midnight on the day issued.  A one day pass may be used on both bus and light rail services if time and date have not expired. If you are transferring from the LYNX Blue Line to a higher priced express or express plus service, you will need to pay the difference aboard the bus.

7 day pass
A weekly pass is valid for seven consecutive days once issued and can be used on both the bus and light rail. The ticket expires at 12-midnight on the seventh day.  If you are transferring from the LYNX Blue Line to a higher priced express or express plus service, you will need to pay the difference aboard the bus.

Round-Trip Tickets
Customer can purchase a round-trip ticket and are available in the denominations of Adult, Senior, Disabled and Youth/Student (K-12 Only).  Round-Trip tickets are valid on the day purchased and the first trip, occurring away from where the ticket was purchased, must take place within 90 minutes of purchase.   After ninety minutes, a patron can no longer use that ticket to ride away from the station where the ticket was purchased.  If a fare inspector finds a patron riding away from the station of purchase outside the ninety minute window, that person could be subject to a citation.   The second ride, back towards the station of purchase, can be taken any time before the end of the service day.  The round-trip ticket provides for a transfer to a CATS bus route within 90 minutes of purchase and second use.

Vouchers
If a TVM malfunctions, a voucher receipt will be issued. Customers with a voucher should take it to the CATS Customer Service Center located at the Charlotte Transportation Center, 310 E. Trade Street between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday - Friday and 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  



Vouchers can also be mailed in for a refund.  Please send your voucher and refund request to:

CATS
Attn:  Pass Sales & Information Supervisor
310 E. Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

The voucher can be used as your proof of payment for you to ride the LYNX Blue Line.

If you do not receive a voucher receipt or voucher number, report the malfunction to CATS Customer Service located at the Charlotte Transportation Center.

Fare Evasion
CATS' Fare Inspectors and Police Officers will check for valid tickets and passes aboard the LYNX Blue Line.  Remember to keep your ticket handy until exiting at your final destination. Customers purchasing and riding with a senior/disabled or youth/student ticket must provide a valid Medicare Card or transit id. Failure to possess a valid ticket or pass could result in a citation of $50 and you may face a Class 3 misdemeanor charge.

Safety & Security
CATS TVMs are under constant video surveillance.  It is unlawful to tamper with a TVM or damage CATS property.  Failure to abide by the law could result in arrest and loss of riding privileges.  In the event of an emergency, listen to announcements and follow the instruction of CATS personnel.