Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Charlotte? How to ride CATS for free with new partnership
Party people using the Charlotte Area Transit System to get around on New Year’s Eve can ride for free thanks to a new partnership.
CATS is working with the Miller Lite Free Rides program for the first time to provide fare-free rides “across all transit” from 5 a.m. New Year’s Eve to 2 a.m. New Year’s Day, the groups announced this month.
The Free Rides program, in its 35th year, has previously provided more than 8 million trips in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix, according to Miller Lite’s parent company, Molson Coors.
Charlotte’s transit system includes multiple bus routes that run throughout the city, as well as the CityLYNX Gold Line — a 4-mile streetcar that runs from the West End through uptown Charlotte to the Elizabeth neighborhood — and the LYNX Blue Line — a light rail system with 26 stations from University City to southwest Charlotte.
CATS recommends those planning to go out on the holiday visit RideTransit.org or download the CATS-Pass App to plan their trip in advance. Those in need of disability accommodations should email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-7433 for free assistance.
From themed brunches to multi-course dinners, dance parties and live music, there are numerous New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events planned around the region.
Other chances to get a free New Year’s Eve ride in Charlotte
If you prefer to take a rideshare or cab home from your New Year’s reveling, a local law firm will potentially reimburse you for the cost or your trip.
Mehta & McConnell, PLLC will cover up to $25 per ride for the first 25 people to submit receipts for their New Year’s rides.
Applicants must be 21 or older, and trips must take place in the Charlotte area between 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve and 10 a.m. New Year’s Day.
To apply, send copies of your receipt and photo ID within 10 business days to:
Mehta & McConnell, PLLC
Attn: Holiday Ride-Share Reimbursement Program
2201 South Blvd.
Suite 410
Charlotte, NC 28203
Uber recommends ordering your ride before midnight or after 3 a.m. to avoid peak surge pricing, when rates increase due to high demand.
This story was originally published December 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM.
