CATS plans to cut deeper

The Charlotte Area Transit System must cut at least another $2.5 million dollars this year to make up for declining sales tax revenue. CATS has already trimmed about $7 million from its budget in part by eliminating six bus routes and reducing the frequency of the Lynx. CATS CEO Keith Parker says it was clear the department had to cut deeper after December's sales tax revenue came in lower than expected. "We will look to things that don't have a negative impact on our customers, but allow us to save dollars immediately and bring some relief to this very tight budget situation," says Parker. CATS also says it will receive $21 million of federal stimulus money for infrastructure improvements. Parker says CATS is considering spending that money on building a park-and-ride-lot and upgrading one of its garages.