CATS Installs Solar-Powered Bus Shelter on Beatties Ford Road

The Charlotte Area Transit System added a bus shelter on Beatties Ford Road near the Northwest School of the Arts. This marks progress under the Better Bus program, a citywide push to boost rider comfort, safety, and access through improved amenities.

The Tolar-designed "signature sunset" model has Urban Solar lighting, a USB phone charging port, a custom map case for wayfinding details, and a trash can. It also features a public art glass piece and an ADA-accessible pad to ensure equal access, as per a press release posted at the official City of Charlotte website.

Solar energy runs the lighting. Riders get consistent illumination day or night, which boosts visibility and safety for those waiting.

"We've always viewed our bus stops as the front door to our agency," said Bruce Jones, Manager of Service Planning. "Through Better Bus, we're making visible improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall rider experience." His comments were shared in the press release published at the City of Charlotte website. 

CATS operates as a department within the City of Charlotte and answers to the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, no transit system covers more ground. Services include buses, light rail, streetcar, vanpool, microtransit, and paratransit options.

Brent Cagle, Interim CEO, discussed what the program hopes to achieve. "Better Bus is about delivering on our promise to customers and the community," said Cagle in the aforementioned City of Charlotte press release. "These upgrades are just the beginning of a larger effort to build a more reliable, accessible, and enhanced transit network for our region."

Better Bus plans to upgrade more than 2,000 bus stops over ten years. Work includes replacing old shelters, adding solar lights, benches, and trash bins while making sure all stops meet ADA standards. But the plan hinges on voter approval of a proposed sales tax referendum.

More shelter replacements are scheduled throughout 2025. The transit authority keeps rolling out the Better Bus plan, and the recent work on Beatties Ford Road is one of several improvements slated for this year.

Building the shelter took multiple stages. Photos showing the work can be found through the transit agency's online gallery and in a Queen City News story.

Students, residents, and other riders in north Charlotte use this stop near the Northwest School of the Arts. It connects to various routes across the city and nearby areas.