Live tracking for Niner Transit buses and other transit vehicles.
Rent e-scooters and e-bikes on campus.
See which parking decks are filling up.
Accessible transportation around campus.
Transportation FAQs
Quick Links
Light Rail
Which light rail stations serve UNC Charlotte?
There are three light rail stations that serve the main UNC Charlotte campus.
- UNC Charlotte Main Station on Cameron Boulevard near Wallis Hall and North Deck
- J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte Station at North Tryon Street near the UNC Charlotte Marriot Hotel
- 9th Street Station near The Dubois Center at UNC Center City
How do students and University employees access light rail?
Students have a CATS All-Access Pass for unlimited rides on the CATS LYNX light rail as well as other CATS city transportation services.
Faculty and staff have the option to purchase the same pass at MyPark at a discounted rate.
CATS privileges are on the CATS-Pass app. Your All-Access Pass will appear on the app’s home screen or in the “Wallet” section. You must show the app to a fare inspector on LYNX light rail.
Do students or employees with an All-Access Pass still need a ticket to ride?
No, light rail and bus privileges are tied to the CATS-Pass app. Download the app and create an account with your @charlotte.edu NinerNet email to activate your pass. Show your All-Access Pass when asked by a fare inspector on the train. On a bus, scan your pass on the column to board.
If you are issued a citation because you did not have your All-Access Pass, you may appeal the citation with CATS. CATS may decline or approve the appeal at their discretion. UNC Charlotte will not refund citation fines.
Can I purchase a CATS All-Access Pass for family or friends?
No, only UNC Charlotte students and employees are eligible for the CATS All-Access Passes. You may purchase tickets at light rail station kiosks or with the CATS Pass App.
Is light rail accessible to all riders?
Yes, CATS has worked to ensure light rail is ADA compliant. CATS rails have priority seating near the train entrance as well as level floor boarding from the station platform.
You can get to and from campus and the UNC Charlotte Main Station via accessible pedestrian pathways. There are also Niner Paratransit pickup and drop-off points near the main station.
Can I connect directly from Amtrak to the LYNX Blue Line?
Currently, there is not a direct link between Amtrak and the LYNX Blue Line. Use a ride-sharing service to access the Parkwood Station via 16th Street or take the 11 – North Tryon bus to either the Charlotte Transportation Center in uptown or J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte Station to transfer to the Blue Line.
Can I park at a CATS light rail station?
There are 11 Park & Ride stations along the Blue Line, with four on the extension. While parking is free at most Park & Ride stations, CATS charges a $10 exit fee at the J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte and University City Boulevard stations, unless riders have a valid CATS daily, weekly or monthly pass. Riders without a CATS daily, weekly or monthly pass will be required to pay to exit the parking decks at J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte and University City Boulevard stations.
Remember, if you are a UNC Charlotte student, faculty or staff member with a CATS All-Access Transit Pass, your pass does not include parking fees incurred at a CATS facility.
I don’t want to purchase a CATS All-Access Transit Pass. How can I purchase a single ticket for the light rail?
You can purchase a ticket for light rail from CATS at a ticket vending machine located on every station platform or via the CATS-Pass app. To learn more about pricing, visit the CATS website.
Lost And Found
Who do I contact if I lost something on Niner Transit?
Belongings left on Niner Transit buses and Paratransit vehicles are turned into Police and Public Safety office. Contact 704-687-5636 or police@charlotte.edu.
Who do I contact if I lost something on a CATS bus or light rail?
Items found and turned in are sent to the Charlotte Transportation Center on a daily basis and cataloged. To claim a lost item, visit the CATS Customer Service office located in pavilion A at the Charlotte Transportation Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday or call 704-336-RIDE (7433).
Items turned in that are not lawfully claimed within 30 days will become property of the City of Charlotte and may be disposed of by law.
E-Scooters
I can’t get the scooter started. Is something wrong?
Lime e-scooters require a quick kick to get started. Plant your foot and give it a couple pushes before hitting the throttle with your right hand.
Where can I park a scooter at the end of my ride?
You must return your e-scooter to one of the designated e-scooter hubs. If you park outside of our service areas (marked with a red outline in the app), you may be charged an out-of-system fee.
Charter Buses
Can charter buses accommodate a passenger with disabilities?
Yes. All of our transit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and seating areas with wheelchair restraints. Please let us know of any special needs or accommodations when requesting the charter.
Can we bring alcoholic beverages on the bus?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Can we smoke on the bus?
No. All of our vehicles are non-smoking.
Can we take food or drinks on the bus?
Food is permitted on the bus as long as it remains sealed or packaged for transport. Drinks are permitted on the bus as long as they are in a container that can be sealed (i.e., bottle with screw cap).
Does Parking and Transportation Services provide tour guides for campus tours?
Campus tour guides are not provided or scheduled through Parking and Transportation Services and are the responsibility of the scheduling group. Due to safety reasons, vehicle operators cannot act as campus tour guides while driving.
How far can I take a transit charter?
Our transit charters will generally travel anywhere within a twenty (20) mile radius of the UNC Charlotte main campus. If your trip requires travel further from campus, we can assist with motor coach charters. Please contact our office at 704-687-0271 or email charterbus@charlotte.edu for details.
How far in advance of my trip should I notify you of itinerary changes?
As soon as you are aware of any changes you need to make, please contact our office. If greater than 48 hours from your charter, please email your changes to charterbus@charlotte.edu. If less than 48 hours from the charter, please call 704-687-0271. As long as the driver has not already been dispatched, we can make the changes for you in most cases without penalty. Drivers are typically dispatched approximately two (2) hours or more prior to the trip depending on the pick-up time and location.
How far in advance should I book by charter?
Normally three (3) to six (6) months in advance is recommended. However, we will accept reservations up to a week before your trip (based on availability).
Is there Wi-Fi on the bus?
Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee and must be requested when booking your reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Transit charters may be canceled up to seven (7) days before your scheduled trip without penalty.