Starting next month, Gastonia residents will be able to take a midday express bus to and from uptown Charlotte on weekdays. The Gastonia City Council last night approved the funding agreement, expanding the number of trips offered by the existing Charlotte Area Transit Service’s 85X route.
“Adding this route in the middle of the day will provide more flexibility and accessibility for Gastonia residents who want to go to Charlotte,” said Rusty Bost, director of Development Services for the City of Gastonia. “This will particularly help flex-time workers and those who have midday appointments in Charlotte.”
A federal grant will cover 80 percent of the cost of the additional Gastonia Express trip, with a 20 percent local match. Gastonia’s share for this fiscal year, $2,925, will come from the City’s transit fund balance.
The midday route will begin March 19 and will be in addition to CATS’ existing 85X express bus service between Gastonia and Charlotte during morning and afternoon rush hours. The midday service will follow the same route as the current 85X.
Monday through Friday Gastonia Express midday departure and arrival times:
- Leave Gastonia Transit Center at 11:09 a.m., arrive at Charlotte Transit Center at 11:58 a.m.
- Leave Charlotte Transit Center at 12 p.m., arrive at Gastonia Transit Center at 12:48 p.m.
Riders will pay CATS’ Express Plus Regional fares, which are $4.40 for adults, and $2.20 for senior citizens, people with disabilities and students Kindergarten through grade 12. The City of Belmont will be asked to increase its local-match contribution beginning July 1, 2018 to help cover the additional cost of the midday trip.
