Sustain Charlotte asks trustees to accelerate bus improvements, accessibility and electric bus purchases

At the formal public hearing on the FY2027 budget, Meg Pencil spoke on behalf of Sustain Charlotte and urged trustees to accelerate investments that would improve bus frequency, rider comfort and accessibility.

"This budget reflects a new level of investment in public transit for Mecklenburg County," Meg Pencil said, praising the board’s focus on the Better Bus program while urging quicker deployment of shelters, lighting and accessibility upgrades, particularly at high‑ridership stops and in communities that rely most on transit. She also urged continued procurement of battery‑electric buses to meet climate and air‑quality goals and asked trustees to explore grant funding to implement recommendations from the People's Budget and disability‑access advocates.

Pencil specifically recommended reducing paratransit fares to match fixed‑route fares, improving app and website accessibility, offering same‑day paratransit and expanding eligibility beyond the current geographic radius to move toward systemwide paratransit coverage. She closed by thanking trustees for the focus on bus service improvements that she said connect residents to jobs, education and health care.

Board members thanked the speaker and noted staff follow‑ups and opportunities to submit written comments. No board action was taken during the public comment period; trustees moved to close the hearing and proceed with the remainder of the agenda.