Local

CATS adds more bus routes to avoid I-77 toll lane congestion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Starting Monday, drivers will have a new option if they hope to avoid traffic on Interstate 77.

CATS is adding new bus routes in north Mecklenburg County as headaches grow from the toll lane construction in the area.

Traffic backups became worse last month when the HOV lane was closed from Interstate 277 to Interstate 85.

The new stops include the 53 Northlake Express, which is adding two new morning trips and three evening trips.

The 48 Huntersville Express is adding three inbound morning trips and two outbound trips in the evening, and the 77 North Mecklenburg Express is adding two morning and evening trips.

CATS officials said that if commuters take the buses it could make a huge difference in congestion on I-77.

“Those 18 trips can carry 40 passengers per trip,” said CATS manager of service development Pamela White. “That has the potential to eliminate upwards of 500 cars off the road per day.”

CATS is encouraging drivers who want to take the new rides to double-check their trip times because they could change.

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