Charlotte’s Transit Future: Interim CEO Brent Cagle Addresses Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Charlotte’s Transit Future: A Chat with Interim CEO Brent Cagle

Charlotte, North Carolina, is buzzing with conversations about transit, job accessibility, and the future of public transportation. With the recent appointment of Brent Cagle as the interim CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), there’s a fresh perspective steering the ship amidst some stormy waters. In an hour-long interview, Cagle opened up about the intricacies of transit in the city and his vision for the future.

Finding Stability in CATS

Taking the reins in December 2023, Cagle stepped in after the sudden resignation of CATS’ previous CEO, John Lewis, and a comprehensive external analysis that unveiled internal morale and trust issues within the organization. The city manager, Marcus Jones, has opted to hold off on searching for a permanent CEO. Instead, he’s tapped Cagle to provide the stability that CATS so desperately needs, navigating through a maze of service and safety challenges.

Encouraging Improvements on the Horizon

Even as Cagle faces these challenges, he’s making headway. He’s focused on improving on-time performance and safety compliance—two areas that have become front and center in the community’s concerns. With ongoing work needed for overdue repairs to the light-rail vehicle fleet, advancements are still a “work in progress.”

The Role of Buses

One of the key themes in Cagle’s conversation was emphasizing the often-overlooked backbone of the transit system: the bus network. He pointed out that a lot of the riders rely on the bus for their daily commute—it’s not just about getting from point A to point B, but about meeting life’s essential needs. “So many people depend on bus service to get to work, doctors, and grocery stores,” Cagle highlighted. “They aren’t preference riders; they’re necessity riders.”

Transit and Job Accessibility

As Charlotte continues to grow, addressing job accessibility through efficient transit systems becomes increasingly important. Cagle noted how crucial the bus service is for those who may not have alternative means of getting around. Without buses, many would face significant hurdles—whether it’s relying on friends for rides or simply walking long distances, often on unsafe roads without sidewalks.

A Bright Future for Ridership?

Despite a staggering 50% decline in ridership over the last decade, Cagle is optimistic about the potential for growth. He believes that with improved funding, both immediate wins and extensive plans can rapidly transform the system. By looking at high-demand bus corridors, increasing frequency, and expanding bus shelters, CATS could streamline and enhance the user experience.

“If you gave me additional dollars tomorrow, I’d know precisely where to invest them,” Cagle asserted. “We have a prioritized list of bus shelters in need of improvement, and many of these upgrades can happen almost immediately.”

Looking Ahead

As Cagle settles into his interim role, it looks like he may be here longer than expected. There’s a significant demand on CATS to analyze the transit network as Charlotte gears up for a serious discussion about a $25 billion expansion proposal. This process, alongside ongoing improvements, means that Cagle’s tenure—potentially stretching through the upcoming years—could shape the city’s transit landscape for a long time.

In conclusion, the future of CATS looks complex but bright. With leaders like Brent Cagle at the helm, Charlotte may just see the rebirth of its public transit system, ushering in a new era that prioritizes accessibility, safety, and sustainability.