Mecklenburg County, December 20, 2025
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) has officially launched with its first meeting held recently in Mecklenburg County. This new authority is set to oversee an impressive $19.4 billion in regional transit investments over the next 30 years, following a successful sales tax referendum. The MPTA aims to modernize and expand public transit infrastructure, including the successful transition of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to its governance. Additionally, a significant marketing contract has been established to enhance public perception of transit in the wake of recent safety concerns.
Charlotte
A new chapter for regional transit officially began with the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) holding its inaugural meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Mecklenburg County. This marks the commencement of operations for the body tasked with overseeing an estimated $19.4 billion in regional transit investments over the next three decades. The MPTA’s formation follows the successful passage of a one-cent sales tax referendum in November 2025, which secured dedicated funding for a comprehensive transportation investment plan.
A New Era for Regional Transit
The establishment of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) signifies a transformative period for public transit in Mecklenburg County. Its core mission is to expand and modernize the region’s transit infrastructure, ultimately improving connectivity and enhancing mobility options for all residents and visitors. A key responsibility of the MPTA involves assuming governance and oversight of the existing Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), effectively transitioning CATS from a department within the City of Charlotte to operating under the new authority.
Oversight and Funding
The MPTA will serve as the steward of the transit portion of the ambitious 2055 Transit System Plan, funded by the voter-approved one-cent sales tax increase. This dedicated revenue source, which will see the sales tax rate rise from 7.25% to 8.25% for non-exempt items starting July 1, is projected to generate billions for critical projects. The allocation of these funds is structured to distribute 40% towards roads, 40% towards rail projects, and the remaining 20% to buses and other transportation alternatives, reflecting a balanced approach to regional mobility.
Leadership and Structure
During its inaugural meeting, the MPTA’s 27-member board convened to elect its first-ever officers. David Howard, a former Charlotte City Council member with extensive transportation expertise, was unanimously elected as the inaugural Chair. Other elected officers include Frank Emory as Vice Chair, Christy Long as Secretary, and Ned Curran as Treasurer. The diverse board comprises representatives from the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, six surrounding towns, and state-appointed officials, ensuring a broad range of perspectives in shaping the future of transit. The board’s initial agenda also included the unanimous adoption of the P.A.V.E. act studies report.
Addressing Public Confidence: Marketing Initiatives
In a related development earlier this month, the Charlotte City Council approved a $3.4 million marketing contract for its public transportation system on Monday, December 8, 2025. This decision, made days after a second stabbing incident occurred on the Blue Line light rail, drew public scrutiny.
Contract Details and Objectives
The multi-million dollar contract was awarded to the Texas-based firm Sherry Matthews Group. Its stated purpose is to improve the public’s perception and use of public transit, encompassing various communication strategies such as general marketing, advertising, branding, public relations, digital communications, community engagement, and crisis communications. This new agreement represents a significant increase in scope and cost compared to previous arrangements, allowing for an additional $550,000 in spending per year, bringing the annual cost to approximately $850,000, up from $300,000 for the prior contract. The contract has an initial one-year term, with potential for up to three renewals by the city manager, totaling four years.
Context and Community Concerns
The approval of the marketing contract generated public discussion, particularly given its timing shortly after safety incidents on the light rail. Critics questioned the allocation of funds towards marketing efforts amidst growing concerns about passenger security. Officials stated that the contract was a replacement for an expired agreement and denied any direct correlation with recent safety incidents, attributing the timing to coincidence. Internal assessments by the transit agency identified “misinformation and lack of confidence in the system” as significant communication challenges that the new contract aims to address.
Looking Ahead: Future of Transportation
With the MPTA now operational, attention turns to the implementation of the ambitious 2055 Transit System Plan. Key projects within this plan include the long-awaited Red Line commuter rail, which aims to connect Uptown Charlotte to Iredell County, as well as enhancements to the Silver Line light rail and the Better Bus program. The new authority is committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that the substantial investment translates into tangible improvements for the community by enhancing mobility, connecting neighborhoods, and fostering economic growth. The focus will be on delivering a world-class transit service that is reliable, safe, and accessible for everyone in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA)?
- The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) is a newly formed body in Mecklenburg County responsible for overseeing regional transit projects and infrastructure. It will assume governance and oversight of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), transitioning CATS from a city department to being under the new authority.
- When did the MPTA hold its inaugural meeting?
- The inaugural meeting of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) was held on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
- What is the MPTA’s primary responsibility?
- The MPTA is charged with expanding and modernizing the region’s transit infrastructure, improving connectivity, and enhancing mobility options for residents and visitors across Mecklenburg County.
- Who was elected as the first Chair of the MPTA?
- David Howard was unanimously elected as the first Chair of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA).
- What is the total investment overseen by the MPTA?
- The MPTA is tasked with overseeing an estimated $19.4 billion in sales tax revenue over the next 30 years for transportation investment, following a one-cent sales tax referendum passed in November 2025.
- When was the multi-million dollar marketing contract for the public transportation system approved?
- The Charlotte City Council approved a multi-million dollar marketing contract for its public transportation system on Monday, December 8, 2025.
- What is the value of the marketing contract and its purpose?
- The marketing contract is valued at $3.4 million and was awarded to Texas-based firm Sherry Matthews Group. Its purpose is to improve the public’s perception and use of public transit, covering areas such as advertising, branding, public relations, and community engagement.
Key Features of Mecklenburg County’s Public Transportation Initiatives
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) | New authority overseeing regional transit projects. | Mecklenburg County |
| Total Investment Oversight | Estimated $19.4 billion over 30 years for the 2055 Transit System Plan. | Mecklenburg County |
| Funding Source | One-cent sales tax increase approved in November 2025, effective July 1. | Mecklenburg County |
| Sales Tax Rate Increase | From 7.25% to 8.25% (for non-exempt items). | Mecklenburg County |
| Marketing Contract | $3.4 million contract with Sherry Matthews Group to enhance public perception and use of public transit. | Charlotte-Mecklenburg area |
| Key Projects (Examples) | Red Line commuter rail, Silver Line light rail, Better Bus program. | Mecklenburg County / Charlotte Region |
| MPTA Board Composition | 27 members representing various local and state stakeholders. | Mecklenburg County |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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