CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Area Transit System says it will increase the frequency of Express bus routes beginning Monday, July 12.

Routes seeing an increase in service include:

• Route 40X Lawyers Road: One morning and evening trip will be added

• Route 46X Harrisburg Road: One morning and evening trip will be added

• Route 48X MetroRAPID Northcross: 20-minute frequency for morning and evening peak service

• Route 52X Idlewild Road: One morning and evening trip will be added

• Route 53X MetroRAPID Northlake: Two morning and evening trips will be added

• Route 62X Rea Road: One morning and evening trip will be added

• Route 63X MetroRAPID Huntersville: 20-minute frequency for morning and evening peak service

• Route 64X Independence Boulevard: Added trips will increase frequency for morning and evening peak service

• Route 77X MetroRAPID North Mecklenburg: 20-minute frequency for morning and evening peak service

Due to the pandemic, CATS has been limiting its levels of Express bus service since March 2020. The transit system says the increase on July 12 is part of CATS’ return to work strategy.

“Many of our region’s employers are accelerating their return to work plans,” CATS CEO John Lewis said in a statement Friday. “We’re adding frequency to our Express bus routes to accommodate those who commute to work using CATS services.” 

CATS says its return to work strategy focuses on “responding to transit trends in a post-pandemic world,” and also includes other components like ongoing discussions with regional employers regarding shift times, continued evaluation of bus service on routes with less frequency and planning for future on-demand transit service through CATS’ Bus Priority Study.