The Metropolitan Transit Commission votes to update Transit System Plan

The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted to adopt the updated Transit System Plan Wednesday night. The updated plan includes the prioritization of the Better Bus program, including microtransit, along with phased implementation of rail corridors. The MTC says the plan represents a major expansion of transit serving the Charlotte region, including a 50% increase in bus service and 43 more miles of rail services. The approval comes after about six months of extensive public engagement with stakeholders, residents and riders across Mecklenburg County. Four scenarios were developed and presented to the public that included the Better Bus program, Red Line, and Gold Line extension, but varied in the mode and length of the Silver Line corridor and the Blue Line extension corridor. The Better Bus plan will be implemented in the next five to ten years. Riders can expect to see improved amenities, better frequency and additional microtransit zones.