FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2024
Charlottesville Area Transit Announces Service Changes Effective October 26, 2024
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) is pleased to announce significant service improvements and schedule adjustments aimed at enhancing the overall reliability, frequency, and convenience of the community's transit system. These changes, effective October 26, 2024, reflect our commitment to improving the rider experience and meeting the needs of our growing community.
Service Enhancements:
- Improved Frequency on Route 4 (Cherry Avenue & Harris Road)
- What’s Changing: Route 4 will operate every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, extending the 30-minute frequency between peak hours.
- Why It Matters: This improvement provides a consistent and more reliable service throughout the day, helping to address Route 4’s on-time performance, which currently ranks as the second-lowest in CAT's system.
- Route 6 Adjustments: More Direct Service Between Downtown and Willoughby Square
- What’s Changing: Route 6 will operate with 30-minute frequencies from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays. The route will provide a more direct connection between the Downtown Transit Station and Willoughby Square Shopping Center, removing the deviation to UVA Hospital.
- Why It Matters: By streamlining the route, we are reducing travel time and improving efficiency for riders traveling between downtown and Willoughby Square. This change makes the route a faster, more attractive transit option for riders who do not require access to UVA hospital.
Additional Service Updates:
- Collective Bargaining Agreement:
- Per our new union contract, all drivers working an eight-hour shift will now receive two 10-minute breaks to ensure a fair and balanced work schedule.
- Route Alignment Changes:
- Route 11 will be modified to include service to the Center at Belvedere off East Rio Road (outbound direction only).
- Schedule Adjustments:
- New schedules for all routes, including the Free Trolley, have been optimized based on current travel needs as recorded by Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs).
- Connection times at the Downtown Transit Center have been staggered to facilitate easier transfers with three coordinated departures per hour.
- Timepoint Modifications:
- Several new timepoints have been added across routes, including on Routes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 to better reflect travel patterns and improve overall system efficiency.
Impact on Riders:
These changes represent a significant investment in improving transit service across the Charlottesville area. Riders can expect reduced wait times, faster travel between key locations, and more accurate schedules. The updates also improve route efficiency and aim to provide better transfer opportunities for those traveling across multiple routes.
Charlottesville Area Transit – Committed to a Sustainable, Reliable, and Efficient Future At CAT, we are continuously working to enhance our service and provide the best possible experience for our riders. With these service improvements, we are moving towards our goal of a more sustainable and efficient transit network for our community. For more information on the new schedules and route adjustments, visit www.catchthecat.org or call our customer service line at 434-970-3649, option 3.
Media Contact:
Alex Pasqualone
Marketing Coordinator
Charlottesville Area Transit
434-970-3349
pasqualonea@charlottesville.gov