CATS news release
CityLYNX Gold Line Service Update
Charlotte, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) wishes to inform the public of upcoming, temporary changes to CityLYNX Gold Line frequency. Effective Saturday, August 19, 2023, CATS will adjust CityLYNX Gold Line frequency from 20-minutes to 30-minutes. CATS is making this temporary change so that we can better ensure reliability and consistency of the CityLYNX Gold Line service. CATS is experiencing ongoing challenges with maintaining the current 20-minute schedule, and as a result, riders have faced uncertainty related to frequency of the CityLYNX Gold Line. These disruptions are due to several factors including, staffing constraints and summer events.
Understanding the service challenges, CATS has increased its efforts in recruitment, attracting an increasing number of prospective rail operators. Attractive incentives like sign-on bonuses and a targeted digital recruitment campaign have been key drivers in this success.
Training remains at the heart of our operations, ensuring safety and operational excellence. Our rail operator training spans at a minimum of 16-weeks, culminating in a thorough evaluation by our training division. Only those who meet all state and federal standards are authorized to operate a rail car independently.
CATS anticipates improvements in rail service in the coming months as we are able to recruit and train additional rail operators. As our current batch of trainees completes their training, we anticipate an increase in rail operators, consequently allowing CATS to return to 20-minute frequency on the CityLYNX Gold Line.
CATS regrets any inconvenience our valued passengers have experienced due this issue. Our continued efforts in recruitment and training reflect our unwavering commitment to safety, service quality and community satisfaction. We are dedicated to serving our community better and appreciate the public's patience during this period.
