CATS wants to cut 5 bus routes

The Charlotte Area Transit System has proposed trimming several bus routes to save money as revenue from the half-cent sales tax comes in lower than expected. CATS plans to cut five bus routes altogether and shorten the length of many others. CATS spokewoman Jean Leier says those routes that may be eliminated carry fewer riders than most other bus lines. "If we implemented the changes that are proposed, it would be a savings of $1.1 million and next fiscal year, for the full fiscal year it would be a savings of $4 million," says Leier. CATS also expects to run the Lynx every 10 minutes during rush hour, which would mean people would have to wait an extra two or three minutes for the train. Leier says the Lynx would still be able to carry the same number of riders per hour since an extra car would be added to many of the trains. CATS expects to make a final decision on the cuts next month. They're likely to go into affect in February.