CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
The temporary transit center opened for service Monday morning to serve as a bus hub for the Charlotte Area Transit System.
The center will serve as the CATS bus hub through Thursday due to increased security at Time Warner Cable Arena, across the street from the Charlotte Transportation Center.
CATS reported seeing heavy ridership throughout the day due to CarolinaFest in uptown Charlotte.
Several park and ride lots along the Lynx Blue Line were full at midday to the heavy volume.
CATS has installed live parking space availability signs at all park and ride stations.
While there was some confusion about where to go to catch the right bus at the temporary transit center, located at 3rd and Mint Streets, transit ambassadors were quick to direct riders where to go.
"While the routes are the same, there are some detours due to increased security this week," said CATS Transit Ambassador Wanda Braswell. "People mainly want to know that there bus route is unchanged."
Carolyn Flowers is the CEO of CATS.
She said, "It's been a challenge for us today with the weather and also with the street closures."
Bus rider Deion Rogers who was using the temporary center for the first time said it seemed organized and wasn't an inconvenience.
"It's pretty normal but you can't really see the times when your next bus is due to arrive," said Rogers.
The transit center has a large air-conditioned waiting tent with food trucks surrounding to give riders a wide variety of food options.
Flowers believes its best to add at least 30 minutes on to your trip to uptown.
"My experience this morning without the traffic and streets were beginning to close…it did take extra time."
CATS will resume service from the CTC on Friday, following the President's acceptance at Bank of America Stadium Thursday evening.
