Community Advisory Committees

Your voice helps shape the future of transit in Mecklenburg County

MPTA and CATS are forming two permanent advisory committees designed to elevate rider perspectives, improve transit accessibility and strengthen the customer experience across all CATS services. Whether you ride the bus, rail, STS/paratransit, or microtransit, your lived experience can help shape a better, more inclusive transit system.

Both committees will meet regularly and submit reports to the MPTA Board of Trustees and the Operations and Safety Committee. Members are appointed by the MPTA Board Chairperson to serve staggered three-year terms.

Applications were open throughout September and October. The review and selection process will take place in November, with appointments announced no later than December.

Mobility Access Committee (MAC)

Are you a person with a disability who rides STS or another CATS service (or a caregiver or advocate who supports them)? Then consider joining the Mobility Access Committee. This is your opportunity to speak for yourself, represent the rider community, and have a meaningful voice in decisions that can directly impact the quality, accessibility, and reliability of STS and improve the experience of CATS when riding with a disability. We are seeking at least nine active riders who use STS/paratransit or who navigate other CATS services while living with a disability. If this describes you, we’d love to hear from you.

MAC also welcomes caregivers, ADA professionals, service providers, and advocates who support individuals navigating CATS with a disability. A total of fifteen members will be selected for this inaugural advisory committee, serving as volunteers who will help shape the future of our transit system. MAC is proposed to meet the first Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. every other month in 2027.

Download the MAC Charter (PDF) for more information.

Transit Rider Advisory Committee (TRAC)

Are you excited about the possibilities that public transit offers? Do you see opportunities for improvements and ways to enhance the rider experience? If so, we invite you to apply for the Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC). We are seeking at least nine active CATS riders who use a variety of modes, including bus, rail, microtransit, and paratransit/STS. If that sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

If you are not an active rider but work closely with people who use CATS services—whether as a service provider, employer, community leader, or educator—you’re still very much welcome. We value your perspective and hope you'll consider joining us in shaping a stronger, more accessible transit system for the region.

A total of 13 members will be selected and will be joined by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Mobility Access Committee. TRAC is proposed to meet on the first Thursday at 4:00 p.m. every month.

Download the TRAC Charter (PDF) for more information.

About Applying for MAC or TRAC

Applicant Qualifications

Applicants should:

  • Demonstrate commitment to improving CATS services and rider experience.
  • Represent rider perspectives as it relates to transit.
  • Facilitate dialog between riders and CATS and MPTA leadership.
  • Be willing to attend meetings, participate in discussions, and collaborate with peers and staff.

Application Process

  • Applications accepted throughout September.
  • CATS will conduct a broad recruitment campaign focused on reaching riders across all transit modes.
  • Recommended committee members will be approved by the MPTA Board Chair and announced by December 2026.

Committees begin meeting in January 2027.