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CATS prepares budget with Blue Line extension in mind

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Area Transit System officials are preparing their budget for the LYNX Blue Line extension.

Thousands of new passengers are expected to ride the light rail once it opens in March.

[CATS announces opening date of LYNX Blue Line Extension]

The head of the transportation group is anticipating no fare increase for light rail and buses.

The next potential for a rate hike will be in 2020 if no fare increase is implemented by CATS this year.

[City Council approves additional $15.3M for Blue Line Extension]

Next year, CATS officials hope to purchase 110 new compressed natural gas buses, at about $450,000 each, totaling $49.5 million.

[Safety drill held Sunday for Blue Line extension]

The city of Charlotte wrapped up its first budget meeting of the year Thursday.

CATS officials are expecting an influx of college riders on the light rail because of a deal that transportation leaders struck with UNC-Charlotte.

Students will be able to ride on the light rail as much as they want for free because the fee is built into student fees.

CATS officials are discussing with Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson and Wales and Johnson C. Smith University to see if these schools may be interested in a similar model.

Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, D-At-large,  said it would be beneficial.

“We got to think about, ‘How do we bring residents? And, ‘How do we provide them access so they can get to work or college?” Ajmera said.

CATS officials said that this summer they will unveil the next bus routes, so people don't have to rely on transferring to another bus in uptown Charlotte.

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