The Charlotte Area Transit System pledged a 50% increase in bus service. It also promised 18 new “microtransit” zones where people could travel door-to-door with on-demand rides, like using Uber. The city and CATS also said the new money would pay for new benches and shelters at 2,000 bus stops across Mecklenburg County.
But six months after Mecklenburg voters approved the tax, it’s doubtful there will be enough dedicated bus money to fully fund what’s called “Better Bus,” according to a WFAE analysis.
To fulfill bus campaign pledges, the new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority may have to spend some of the money set aside for rail transit. That would make it harder to fulfill different campaign promises to build billions of dollars of new light rail, streetcar and commuter rail…