CATS hires Lewis as exec director, opens Gold Line streetcar route

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has named John Lewis Jr. its new executive director. He comes to the agency after serving as chief executive officer of the Central Florida Regional Transit Authority, CATS officials said in a press release.

In his new role, Lewis will lead countywide transit planning and transit management activities, including developing and promoting a long-term regional vision for transit services and managing existing services. He'll also oversee in-house contracted transit services.

"John brings a wealth of transit knowledge and leadership to our organization. He has the energy, skill, and commitment to help take CATS to the next level," said Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee in a statement.

Meanwhile, CATS yesterday officially opened its CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar project. The 1.5-mile route marks the first phase of what eventually will be a 10-mile line.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Therese McMillan attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new streetcar line.

The FTA contributed two-thirds of the cost of the project's first phase, McMillan wrote on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fast Lane blog.