Bus transportation is the backbone of many public transit systems across the country and particularly in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bus ridership makes up 75 percent of CATS’ total ridership. Providing the safest, most efficient service to customers is as important to the organization as it is to riders. That is why in December 2016, CATS implemented Envision My Ride, an initiative to redesign the entire bus system.
Through Envision, CATS will develop a proposal to improve the bus system by altering current routing and travel times. The key considerations for the initiative are: cross-town and suburb-to-suburb bus service; connections between different bus routes and between bus and light rail; service frequency; and more direct service. Currently, CATS operates a hub-and-spoke style service with the majority of its routes originating/terminating in center city Charlotte. Often, this structure requires passengers to travel to uptown in order to travel to another area of the city. Years ago, this was an effective model with a large portion of ridership living in/near the uptown area. But, as housing prices increase and those who use buses the most move farther away from the city center, the model has become less efficient.
From December 2016 to January 2017, CATS conducted a survey to collect rider feedback on their current route and commute. Riders were eager to offer their feedback and take part in bettering their commute. They expressed the need to travel across town. With 54 percent of bus riders using CATS to get to work, a more robust crosstown network would serve more jobs located outside of uptown, which include many jobs needed for households seeking greater economic opportunities. Using the 1200 online and written survey responses it received, CATS’ Service Planning division developed possible route changes that reduce rider travel time, make more direct trips between popular destinations without transferring, and increase frequency. CATS is using REMIX planning software to assist in the technical redesign of the current 72 local, express and regional bus routes. This software, which is designed specifically for transit-planning, is successfully used by over 150 transit agencies in nine countries. Soon, CATS will return to the public and ask for feedback. The responses will be used to fine tune the original recommendations.
Once feedback is captured on the proposed route changes, CATS will fine-tune them. At the completion of the initiative, CATS will present two proposals to the Metropolitan Transit Commission, CATS’ policy board that is responsible for reviewing and recommending all long-range public transportation plans. One proposal will include route adjustment recommendations within the organization’s current financial means, and the second will include service scenarios that address public desires for more routes, increased frequency and direct trips. Incidentally, the overall bus system redesign will be the last phase of Envision. The initiative already includes some of the first routes that will change as a result of the LYNX Blue Line Extension bus-rail integration when the BLE opens in March 2018.
The LYNX BLE is the 9.3-mile extension of the current LYNX Blue Line light rail service. The alignment will provide a rapid transit connection between south and northeast Charlotte with a terminus on the UNC-Charlotte campus. The 11 additional stations will be served directly by feeder bus routes or be easily accessible from surrounding routes.
The phase of Envision that has already begun implementation is the rebranding of the bus system. CATS unveiled its new branding design of its buses and vanpools in September 2017. The new look creates a branding synergy with the LYNX light rail service and the design of the future CityLYNX streetcar service that is scheduled to open in 2020. During the unveiling event, CATS CEO John Lewis explained that the newly branded vehicles with the latest technology and amenities will enhance the riding experience for CATS customers. The new branding was initially installed on 40 new buses and vanpools. Over the next several years the entire fleet will be replaced and upgraded along with the new brand design. These new buses expand CATS’ hybrid fleet. With the addition of these vehicles, over 15 percent of CATS’ bus fleet will use hybrid technology.
Envision My Ride is CATS’ commitment to the community to continue to grow a robust public transit system with a strong bus network. The organization will continue to focus on its riders so that it can offer them viable, convenient commuting choices that enhance their daily lives.
Krystel Green is the public & community relations manager with Charlotte Area Transit System.
