June 19, 2008

Charlotte, NC -- The Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) approved a fare increase for Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) services, effective October 6, 2008.  A local one-ride fare will go from $1.30 to $1.50.  Fares on other transit services will be adjusted accordingly. 

"In order for us to maintain the level of service we are providing to our customers and keep pace with the demand in ridership, CATS needs to raise fares to help cover the cost of rapid increases in fuel prices," said Keith Parker, Chief Executive Officer of CATS.  "A major cost component for any transit system is fuel costs and CATS travels over 12 million miles a year to get people to where they live, work and play."

CATS operates 88 bus routes throughout Mecklenburg County and the six counties surround Mecklenburg.  Since January 2008, the cost per gallon of diesel fuel for CATS has increased by more than 29 percent.  CATS is now paying more than $4 a gallon and is predicting, without a fare increase, over a $4 million shortfall  in the fuel budget next year due to increased prices.

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