Charlotte, NC, December 3, 2025
Mecklenburg County has established the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) to manage transportation initiatives funded by a new one-cent sales tax increase. The MPTA, consisting of a 27-member board representing each town, aims to improve public transit and infrastructure, addressing the county’s growing transportation needs. Projected to generate $19.4 billion over 30 years, funding will focus on road improvements, rail construction, and bus services, ensuring equitable transportation benefits across the community.
Charlotte, NC – Mecklenburg County Establishes Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority
Charlotte, NC – Mecklenburg County has officially established the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) to oversee and implement transportation projects funded by a recently approved one-cent sales tax increase. This initiative aims to enhance public transit and road infrastructure across the county.
Formation of the MPTA
The MPTA will assume governance of public transit services, including buses, rail, and micro-transit, in Mecklenburg County. Each town within the county will have one representative on the MPTA’s 27-member board, ensuring diverse community representation. Board members will serve four-year terms, with initial appointments staggered to include some two-year terms. The MPTA’s governing board will determine its meeting schedule.
Funding and Project Scope
The one-cent sales tax increase is projected to generate approximately $19.4 billion over 30 years. The revenue allocation is as follows: 40% for road improvements, 40% for rail construction, and 20% for bus and micro-transit services. This funding structure is designed to address the county’s transportation needs comprehensively.
Community Support and Implementation
The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (BPC) has endorsed the transportation referendum, emphasizing the importance of the MPTA in ensuring that transportation benefits are shared broadly across all neighborhoods. The BPC looks forward to partnering with the MPTA and other stakeholders to prioritize community concerns and address them effectively.
Background Context
Mecklenburg County’s transportation system has faced challenges due to rapid growth and increasing congestion. The establishment of the MPTA represents a significant step toward modernizing and expanding the county’s transit infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its residents. The initiative aligns with the goals of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) to enhance transportation options and connectivity in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA)?
The MPTA is a newly established governing body responsible for overseeing public transit services, including buses, rail, and micro-transit, in Mecklenburg County. It will manage projects funded by the recently approved one-cent sales tax increase.
How will the MPTA be governed?
The MPTA will be governed by a 27-member board, with each town within Mecklenburg County appointing one representative. Board members will serve four-year terms, with initial appointments staggered to include some two-year terms. The board will determine its meeting schedule.
What is the projected revenue from the one-cent sales tax increase?
The one-cent sales tax increase is projected to generate approximately $19.4 billion over 30 years. The revenue will be allocated as follows: 40% for road improvements, 40% for rail construction, and 20% for bus and micro-transit services.
Which organizations support the transportation referendum?
The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (BPC) has endorsed the transportation referendum, emphasizing the importance of the MPTA in ensuring that transportation benefits are shared broadly across all neighborhoods.
What challenges has Mecklenburg County’s transportation system faced?
Mecklenburg County’s transportation system has faced challenges due to rapid growth and increasing congestion. The establishment of the MPTA represents a significant step toward modernizing and expanding the county’s transit infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its residents.
Key Features of the MPTA Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Governance | 27-member board with representatives from each town in Mecklenburg County; members serve staggered four-year terms. |
| Funding | One-cent sales tax increase projected to generate $19.4 billion over 30 years; revenue allocated to road improvements (40%), rail construction (40%), and bus and micro-transit services (20%). |
| Community Support | Endorsement from the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, emphasizing broad distribution of transportation benefits. |
| Implementation | Initiative aims to modernize and expand Mecklenburg County’s transit infrastructure to address rapid growth and congestion challenges. |
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