PRESS RELEASE

CANTON, GA (May 3, 2023) – The Cherokee Area Transportation System [CATS] is set to host a public hearing and a comment period to gain feedback on proposed changes to several fare schedules.

Photo Credit: Jaye Grimes/Enjoy Cherokee Magazine

Cherokee County Transportation Director Greg Powell

“CATS fares have gone unchanged since 2007 when the county assumed operations,” said CATS Director Greg Powell. “To help mitigate the impact of the increases to the public, we are proposing to phase in the general fare increases over a two-year period.”

Proposed New CATS Fares Year 1

The rate increase, set to go in effect on Oct. 1, 2023, will change the general public fare to $2 per person per trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. Seniors 60 years old and older and veterans will be charged $1 per person per trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. Children 15 and under will ride free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Proposed New CATS Fares Year 2

The next rate increase, set to go in effect on Oct. 1, 2024, will change the general public fare to $3 per person per trip for trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. For seniors age 60 and older and veterans, the fare will be $1 per person per trip for 0-5 miles and anything over 5 miles will be an additional $1 per person per trip. Children 15 and under will ride free and must be accompanied by an adult.

The proposed changes stem from the results of the recently completed Comprehensive Transportation Plan [CTP], which found that the CATS fare recovery ratio was among the lowest in the region and recommended raising fares to meet regional standards.

The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, during the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Meeting located in Cherokee Hall at 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton.

The comment period is under way and will run through June 4. Residents can provide comment in-person by visiting the CATS headquarters located at 884 Univeter Road in Canton or by calling 770-345-6238 or emailing Greg Powell at mgpowell@cherokeega.com.

For more information, please visit CherokeeGA.com/Transportation.

ABOUT CHEROKEE COUNTY

Located 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Cherokee County is part of the 11-county metro-Atlanta area. Cherokee County boasts a population of more than 279,000, according to the 2022 Atlanta Regional Commission population estimates. It is the one of the fastest growing counties in the metro region and its overall Board of Commissioners-controlled tax burden per capita is one of the lowest in the region. Cherokee County has world-class parks and recreational facilities, is a destination for corporate headquarters and is a great place to live, work and play. Cherokee County is the best of both worlds because it’s where “Metro Meets the Mountains.” Learn more at CherokeeGA.com.