Mecklenburg Transportation System
Provides non-emergency medical and general public transportation to eligible residents in Mecklenburg County.
Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) provides coordinated non-emergency medical and general public transportation to eligible residents in Mecklenburg County. Transportation is provided to various locations seven days a week except Dec. 25.
Transportation is provided by County-certified drivers and contracts with transportation vendors such as taxi services and private companies that provide wheelchair-equipped vehicles to assist with specialized transportation needs. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 704-336-4547.
Note: All MTS programs, except Medicaid Transportation, have limited funding available. As a result, frequencies and types of trips may be adjusted.
Types of Trips
Adults and children authorized to receive Medicaid transportation are transported to and from a medical destination. CATS bus service is the primary mode of transportation. Door-to-door service is available, but a Medicaid Transportation Exception Form is required. Cost: No fare.
Adults aged 60+ or adults and children with a disability may receive transportation to and from dialysis or chemotherapy. A passenger fare of $1.50 per one-way trip is required.
Adults aged 60+ not living in an assisted living facility or nursing home, may receive transportation to and from medical and dental appointments, pharmacy, grocery shopping, paid employment, senior centers and congregate meal sites. A passenger fare of $1.50 per one-way trip is required.
Available to individuals living outside the urbanized area. Door-to-door service is provided within the rural area of Charlotte. Riders are limited to 40 one-way trips monthly. A passenger fare of $1.50 per one-way trip is required.
Veterans may receive transportation to and from Veterans Affairs hospitals in North Carolina as well as clinics in Charlotte. Call 704-336-2102 for more information. Apply by calling 704-336-2102.
Adults aged 60+ may receive transportation to and from Mecklenburg County's Senior Citizens Nutrition Program meal sites. Nutritious meals and opportunities for socialization and enhanced physical health are provided. Contributions are encouraged but not required. Apply by calling 704-336-3144.
Adults aged 60+ or individuals with a disability that reside in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg urbanized area. Transportation is used for non-emergency medical, paid employment, post-secondary education, congregate nutrition sites and grocery trips. A passenger fare of $1.50 per one-way trip is required.
Things to Know while Riding
- To use transportation resources available and appropriate to your needs.
- To make timely requests for transportation assistance.
- To be ready and available for transportation pick-up or cancel the transportation request timely.
- To follow the instructions of the driver.
- To respect the rights of other passengers and the driver. Respect means not creating a disturbance or engaging in threatening behavior.
- To complete a transportation assessment at each Medicaid application, review, or when you experience a change, to continue receiving transportation assistance.
- To report all changes (for example, change in income or resources, family members in the household, change of address) to your Medicaid caseworker at your local Department of Social Services within 10 days of the change. If you do not know if a change is important, ask your caseworker.
When an MTS passenger breaks one the MTS System Passenger Guidelines, the following procedure will be followed:
- 1st Offense: The passenger will receive verbal warning from an MTS staff member. If the passenger receives transportation on services through either a human service agency or an agency that contracts with MTS for transportation, the sponsoring agency will be notified.
- 2nd Offense: The passenger will be suspended for a period of three days. A member of the MTS administrative team will notify the passenger of their suspension by phone and in writing. The sponsoring agency (if any) will also receive notification by the MTS office, and a copy of the writing suspension will be sent to the proper personnel at the sponsoring agency’s office.
- 3rd Offense: The passenger will be suspended for a period of 10 working days. member of the MTS Administrative team will notify the passenger of their suspension by phone and in writing. The sponsoring agency (if any) will also receive notification by the MTS office, and a copy of the written suspension will be sent to the proper personnel at the sponsoring agency’s office.
- 4th Offense: The passenger will be suspended for a period of 30 working days. A member of the MTS Administrative team will notify the passenger of their suspension by phone and in writing. The sponsoring agency (if any) will also receive notification by the MTS office, and a copy of the written suspension will be sent to the proper personnel at the sponsoring agency’s office.
- 5th Offense: Passengers will be suspended from using MTS Services due to repeated misconduct for one year. The Suspension will be communicated in writing and may be appealed in accordance with MTS’ appeals process.
In the interest of protecting all passengers and staff, MTS reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate service for any conduct that is violent, threatening, dangerous, or unlawful.
Examples of egregious conduct that may result in Immediate Termination:
- Possession of a firearm or weapon (unless carried by authorized law enforcement)
- Physical assault, battery, or attempted harm to staff or passengers
- Sexual misconduct, indecent exposure, or inappropriate touching
- Verbal threats of violence or harm
- Use, possession, or sale of illegal drugs or substances on MTS property or vendor vehicles
- Vandalism or willful destruction of property
- Tampering with vehicle operations, safety equipment, or emergency systems
- Obstructing emergency exit or refusing to comply with emergency procedures
- Discrimination, hate speech, or targeted harassment based on race, gender, disability, or other protected status
- Stalking or harassment of staff or passengers
Incidents meeting these criteria will be investigated by MTS and may be referred to law enforcement.
Depending on the severity of the passenger’s actions, MTS reserves the right to suspend clients for a period at their discretion voiding the above procedures.
Passengers will be terminated from using MTS Services due to repeated misconduct. Termination will be communicated in writing and may be appealed in accordance with MTS’s Appeals process.
Offenses do not need to be of the same type. Repeated violations of any kind will be considered grounds for escalation through the progressive discipline process.
You can ask for a hearing. If you think we are wrong in denying your request for medical transportation, you have the right to a hearing. You must ask for this hearing within 60 days (or 90 days if you have a good reason for delay). This hearing is a meeting to review your situation and provide you with transportation services if the decision on your request was wrong.
You may have someone speak for you at your hearing, such as a relative, paralegal or an attorney obtained at your expense. Free legal services may be available in your community. Contact your nearest Legal Aid or Legal Services Office or call 1-866-219-5262 toll-free.