CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- About 800 people from Mooresville, Troutman and Iredell County ride four Charlotte Area Transit System buses to their jobs in Charlotte each week. But that option may be going away.

City leaders in Mooresville could vote to stop funding. That's why CATS officials held an informational meeting at the library in uptown on Thursday to warn riders of a possible change.

"It would be devastating if we did not have mass transportation because it would affect not only us and our families, but really everybody at large," said Debbey Woodruff, who takes the bus.

Riders like Woodruff are concerned about the congestion on Interstate 77 and high gas prices. They're also opposed to the environmental impact of more gas burning engines polluting the air, they said.

Mooresville Mayor Bill Thunberg explained why some council members are opposed. He said CATS now wants the city to pay $95,000 a year.

"Only about half or less of the riders are from Mooresville, so it might be a good time for the county to step up and take some responsibility," he said.

Thunberg said Mooresville is asking Iredell County and Troutman to help foot the bill. He also said riders could help cover the tab too. Right now they pay about $5 a day to ride.

Rider Jonathan Hartsell said he just wants the city to wait before a decision is made.

"But don't stop funding, don't stop the bus until we've explored all the options and said yes or no whether we can really make this work," he said.

Mooresville council members could make a decision May 20 at their next budget meeting. Leaders in Iredell County and Troutman said they have no plans to consider helping fund the CATS transit plan.