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A CATS microtransit pilot program will soon launch in North Mecklenburg, bringing a relatively new public transit model to our area. So, what is microtransit and what do you need to know about it?
(📷:Charlotte Area Transit System)

In a nutshell, on-demand public transit, or microtransit, allows people to request a ride, usually in a van or shuttle. The rider pays a small fare, is picked up close to their location and taken where they need to go, like a bus stop or other fixed-route service. Microtransit often operates within a designated service boundary. 

As with most things, there are benefits and drawbacks to this public transit option. You can read our take on it here. Could microtransit help Charlotte to meet its goal of shifting our current mode share of 76% of trips taken by driving alone to less than 50% by 2040? It depends on how efficiently microtransit is able to transport multiple riders at the same time.

Microtransit has the potential to increase equitable access to public transit if it’s used appropriately. We hope that CATS will use this pilot program to gather and then analyze data about the ways that microtransit can benefit our community, while also discovering what its limitations are. We are eager to see the results and will continue to advocate for safe, reliable public transportation options for all. 

In support of equitable public transit,  

Meg Fencil
Director of Engagement and Impact

Top stories

Securing more funding for transportation is critical to the sustainable growth of our region. (📷:CATS)

Now is the time for transportation infrastructure funding 

Last week, the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute asked our executive director, Shannon Binns, what small or large shift he would make in 2023 to catalyze sustainable growth and ensure equitable well-being for our region.

Shannon said he would like to see local officials finally secure a "permanent, significant source of funding" for transportation infrastructure, such as the proposed one-cent sales tax for mobility in Mecklenburg County.

"We need an ongoing source of funds to be able to build a diverse, sustainable transportation system that keeps up with our rapid population growth.  We haven't done that, and traffic is getting worse," Shannon said.  
"Over time, we can dramatically improve equity, health, and the climate by investing in a multi-modal transportation network that prioritizes moving people over moving cars," he said.

Read the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute article.  

A missed opportunity for value capture

Sustain Charlotte Urban Design Specialist Eric Zaverl contributed to this Urban Field Notes post about a concept known as “value capture” in the transit world -- the idea that when the public builds a new transit line, it use some of the property value it created for public goods, like affordable housing or safer streets.

Writer Benjamin Schneider argues that "Charlotte offers a striking example where transit produced an astonishing amount of value that went largely uncaptured by the public that funded it." Eric weighs in on the challenges that need to be overcome to provide more affordable housing near transit lines, like Charlotte's Blue Line.

Read the Urban Field Notes piece

Events + opportunities

Attendees enjoy the 2022 Sustainability Awards (📷: Grant Baldwin)

Get your tickets today for the 2023 Sustain Charlotte Awards presented by Duke Energy

Have you saved your seat for the 2023 Sustain Charlotte Awards, yet? This year's event -- the 11th annual! -- promises to be an evening of celebration and inspiration.

Registration includes dinner, drinks and a front-row seat to amazing stories of sustainability happening in and around the Queen City. Thank you to Duke Energy, Truist, and Mecklenburg County Solid Waste for helping make this event possible through their generous sponsorship.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 27 from 6-9 p.m. at The Ruth by Beau Monde. Buy your tickets today!

Community Area Planning 

How much do you know about Community Area Planning? This important next step in the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan has begun and you're invited to get involved. Check out this map to determine the area that corresponds with your home's location. Then make plans to participate in a Community Area Planning workshop! YOU can help Charlotte grow in an intentional, sustainable, and equitable way. Learn more about Community Area Planning.

Join the 5 Points Plaza celebration! 

TODAY from 1-5 p.m., there will be music, dancing and a skate party at 5 Points Plaza to celebrate its one-year anniversary. And its FREE for all to come! 5 Points Plaza is a beautiful and important public space in Historic West End. This center of activity serves as a gateway to Beatties Ford Road and Rozzelles Ferry Road Corridor of Opportunity. Register here.

Creek Week begins today

You’re invited to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services' fifth annual Creek Week! Today through Saturday, Mar. 25, volunteers will tke a closer look “Into the Waters”. This will be a week full of volunteer activities, educational programs that will will seek to help us care for and learn more about our waterways. 

Check out the schedule to get involved

Partner news

Welcome, Segra!

We are excited to welcome Segra as our newest Gold Partner! As one of the largest independent fiber network companies in the Eastern US, Segra has a broad and dense service footprint across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. They're known for their future-forward infrastructure and state-of-the-art voice and data technology solutions for businesses of all sizes and wholesale transport services to some of the world’s largest carriers.

Businesses that join our partner network are committing to support our efforts toward a healthy, equitable, and vibrant Charlotte for generations to come.

To learn more about how your company can become a partner visit sustaincharlotte.org/partnership!

What we're reading

Awash in asphalt, cities rethink their parking needs

Car-free future: Europe’s longest cycle tunnel aims to cut traffic in this Norwegian city

Opinion: Don't bury the city's public transportation

Thank you for reading!

As a nonprofit, we rely on support from our community. If you find value in this free weekly newsletter, please consider becoming a member or making a one-time donation. It will help us continue keeping you informed through the newsletter, social media and the timely weekly articles we publish for everyone. More broadly, your support will help us continue our mission of making Charlotte healthier, more equitable and vibrant for all.
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Thank you to our partners!

We genuinely appreciate all of our partners. Their generous year-round support allows us to work towards our mission.
 
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