North Meck Express Bus Service To Begin In Davidson, Cornelius

DAVIDSON, NC — Bus commutes to Uptown Charlotte from Davidson and Cornelius are about to get a lot faster. The new 77X North Meck Express bus route launches Monday, Feb. 3, utilizing new Interstate 77 toll lanes, which promises to deliver riders from Davidson and Cornelius to Center City destinations during peak periods in about 20 minutes or less.

In Cornelius, the new 77X service replaces the 48X route that serves the Cornelius Park and Ride.

The new MetroRAPID enhanced bus route will include new buses with new seating, charging stations and overhead lighting. Fares are $3 one way, or $1.50 for riders who are 62 or older, students or riders with disabilities.

The 77X North Meck Express is one of four new express routes to begin next week that utilize the new toll lanes. Other express routes in the Lake Norman area include:

• 48X Northcross Express — serving the Northcross Park and Ride
• 53X Northlake Express — serving the Northlake Park and Ride via Lakeview Direct Connect; Ridge Road Park and Ride
• 63X Huntersville Express — a new service serving the Huntersville-Gateway Park and Ride via Hambright Direct Connect and Statesville Road

Also new in Davidson next week is the 290 Davidson Shuttle, which will provide limited connections to and from downtown Davidson and Concord/ Rocky River Road, as well as the 77X bus service at Town Hall.

Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox said the new routes were the first positive step in mass transit for the town in more than 20 years. “I hope the level of involvement from citizens in North Mecklenburg continues to trend upward and this proves to be a viable alternative for commuting to and from Charlotte,” he said.

The 290 shuttle will run Monday through Friday, from 5:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The shuttle will also provide deviated service upon request up to ¾ of a mile during its normal hours of operation.

Fare for the 290 Davidson Shuttle is $.90 one way.

A map and timetable for the 290 shuttle may be found here.

What do you think about the new express bus service into Charlotte? Sound off in the comment section!