CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Beginning Aug. 15, 2022, public transportation users in Charlotte will see a reduction in bus service frequencies as operator shortages continue to plague the city’s transit system.

The Charlotte Area Transit System says the reduced services will help “maximize the system’s reliability and minimize missed trips.”

“To be clear, no routes will be cut, frequencies of routes will only be altered,” CATS said in a news release.

Information on routes impacted by frequency reductions can be found below.

Graphic from CATS

In addition to those listed above, the following routes will also see modifications to certain trips:

• Route 1 – Mount Holly: Will eliminate the 11:41 p.m. and 12:41 a.m. inbound trips and 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. outbound trips
• Route 4 – Belmont: Will eliminate the first morning outbound trip at 5:29 a.m.
• Route 11 – North Tryon: Will eliminate the 11:31 p.m. and 12:29 a.m. inbound trips and the 11:55 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. outbound trips
• Route 12 – South Boulevard: Will eliminated the 6:14 a.m. inbound trip and the late night short turn trips between Scaleybark and Pressley Road area at 1:06 a.m. (outbound) and 2:03 a.m. (inbound)
• Route 34 – Freedom Drive: Will eliminate the 11:31 p.m. inbound trip only
• Route 60 – Tyvola: Will convert midday trips serving Jackson Park to serve the V.A. Hospital
• Routes 48x – Northcross Express, 63x – Huntersville Express and 77x – North Mecklenburg Express: Will be reduced by three trips each day. Trip times will be shifted up to account for the adjustment

Additional information on specific route schedules can be found here. 

CATS is one of many transit systems across the country still feeling the impacts of labor shortages prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Public Transportation Association says 92% of public transit agencies are having trouble hiring new employees, especially bus drivers.

The city’s transit system is continuing to host job fairs while executing various recruitment tactics and hiring campaigns to help employ additional bus operators. For more information on available jobs and how to apply, click here.

CATS says it will host public meetings to discuss the route changes. More information can be found here.