Charlotte Residents Express Strong Support for Public Transit Despite Low Ridership Levels and Safety Concerns

Charlotte Residents Weigh In on Public Transit: Insights from Recent Poll

Hey there, Charlotte! If you’ve ever hopped on a bus or light rail in our city, you’re not alone in thinking that public transit plays a key role in making our community thrive. A recent poll commissioned by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has revealed some interesting insights into how residents view public transportation, even if most of them don’t use it often. So, let’s dive into what these findings mean for our vibrant city!

The Good News: Public Transit is Valued

First off, it’s clear that many people in Mecklenburg County truly believe in the power of public transit. In fact, a whopping 85% of those surveyed agreed that CATS is a “valuable part of the community.” Let’s break down more of the positive vibes:

• 79% say CATS contributes to the success of the community
• 73% feel it provides access to job opportunities
• 79% appreciate the affordable transportation options available
• 76% agree that CATS supports low-income families
• 66% believe it helps reduce pollution
• 61% see a decrease in traffic congestion thanks to public transport

It’s pretty heartwarming to see how many residents recognize the importance of a reliable transit system! But there’s a twist…

The Reality: Most Residents Don’t Ride

Despite the high praise, a surprising number of folks aren’t actually taking the plunge into public transit. According to the survey:

• 44% of respondents reported they’ve never ridden CATS
• 7% used to ride it but don’t anymore
• 34% catch a ride only once a month or less

It seems while many folks see the value, they might not feel the need to jump on board regularly. This raises questions about how to attract more riders and get those numbers back up! After all, CATS’ ridership has seen a significant 44% drop since 2014!

Safety Concerns on the Rise

Another takeaway from the survey involves perceptions of safety. It appears that many residents and riders have some worries:

• 37% agreed with the idea that CATS buses are safe from crime
• 29% felt that CATS stops and stations are secure

These statistics indicate that tackling safety could be key in bringing more people on board public transport in Charlotte. Addressing feelings of insecurity could go a long way in boosting ridership.

Riding the Wave of Change: The Transit Plan

It’s not all doom and gloom! Residents are showing support for an emerging transit plan estimated to cost around $25 billion. About 75% of those polled had a positive impression of this new initiative. This plan aims to enhance bus services, construct more rail lines, and tackle street projects funded by potential sales tax increases.

While voters will have to give it the thumbs up through a vote, many seem eager for improvement in public transit. It’s a good sign that excitement is brewing about future developments!

What Riders Say: Seeking Better Service

• 64% want more frequent bus service
• 52% would appreciate better timed transfers
• 51% desire more shelters at bus stops

Over half of bus riders indicated that they count on this service to get to work or appointments. And with around 93% identifying as “transit-dependent,” it’s clear that they’re genuinely invested in making the system work better!

The Road Ahead: A Community Effort

So, what can we takeaway from all of this? Charlotte residents clearly understand that a robust public transit system helps our community flourish. However, there’s an evident need to engage more residents in riding CATS, address safety concerns, and work on improving service frequency and amenities.

With the upcoming transit plans on the board, let’s keep the conversation going, Charlotte! It’s time to create a transit system that everyone in our community can count on. Your voice matters, and together we can pave the way for a brighter transportation future!