Skip to content

Featured Local Planning Project: MetroRAPID BRT

Metro RAPID: BRT Improvement Program
Metro RAPID: BRT Improvement Program

The CRTPO Board approved $80,000 in local planning funds within the FY2020 UPWP for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to conduct a study to identify future service opportunities and transit projects for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the corridor parallel to Interstate 77 between Uptown Charlotte and Mooresville. The study includes staff members from Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville. 

Throughout 2021, CATS will utilize existing data to determine the following:

  1. Enhancements to current MetroRAPID BRT service  
  2. Identify capital projects that complement the service

After completion of the study, potential enhancements may include:

  • Implementation of all-day service (including nights and weekends)
  • New park and ride locations
  • Additional direct connection interchanges into the I-77 Express Lanes
  • Integrated BRT stations into mixed use developments

Existing MetroRAPID express bus began service 2020 and features:

  • Non-stop bus service from North Mecklenburg County to Uptown Charlotte
  • Utilization of the I-77 Express Lanes at no additional cost to the rider
  • Four MetroRAPID routes including: 48X Northcross, 53X Northlake, 63X Huntersville and 77X North Mecklenburg. 

The North Corridor’s long-term transit vision includes LYNX Red Line commuter rail service. Visit https://charlottenc.gov/cats/transit-planning/Pages/red-line.aspx and https://charlottenc.gov/cats/transit-planning/Pages/MetroRapid-BRT.aspx for more information about CATS’ North Corridor transit project.