CATS Unveils Tap-to-Pay Fare System With Cap for Transit Riders by 2028

Charlotte Area Transit System leaders rolled out plans Tuesday to transform how passengers pay fares. Tap-to-pay tech and electronic validators are coming. The change happened after an 18-month study, and prices won't go up. In the meantime, public input is needed on the program.

Riders could use a mobile app, reloadable smart cards, or contactless credit and debit cards. Light rail passengers would scan their payment on platform validators before stepping into designated paid zones.

"The goal is to create more flexibility and acknowledge the fact that different riders have different needs," said a CATS project manager who presented the proposals to the public, according to WCNC.

The transit authority wants fare capping, which would end the need to buy day, weekly, or monthly passes upfront. The system would figure out the best price as riders use buses and trains, with local full-fare customers paying no more than $6.60 per day, $30.80 per week, or $88 per month.

Riders would tap their payment method on validators that glow green when a fare goes through. Those using mobile apps would scan barcodes at the validator.

"Validators serve two purposes," she said. "It can accept payments, and it can validate a payment you already have to make sure you have proof of paid fare."

This plan comes after several incidents on rail lines and would apply to all transit services — buses, light rail, streetcar, microtransit, and paratransit. A two-hour electronic pass would replace the current 90-minute paper transfer.

The board still needs to give the green light. If approved, the agency would launch an education campaign before rolling things out in 2027-2028.

Leaders held the first of several meetings Tuesday to collect feedback. More meetings will happen through Feb. 4 at spots including Cornelius Town Hall on Jan. 28, Ella B. Scarborough Resource Center on Jan. 29, Renaissance West Community Initiative on Feb. 3, and Valerie C. Woodard Center on Feb. 4. All in-person sessions run from 5 to 7 p.m.