CATS's Response to COVID-19: A conversation with John Lewis
The WTS Charlotte Metro Chapter is pleased to have John Lewis as the speaker for our first virtual program of the year on Thursday, July 16th, 2020 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
Join us to hear John talk about how the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has navigated the unexpected circumstances due to COVID-19. All proceeds from this event will go towards the WTS Charlotte Metro Chapter Scholarship Fund.
John M. Lewis is the Chief Executive Officer of CATS. He arrived in September 2015 and has taken CATS into a new era of transit with the opening of the 9.3-mile LYNX Blue Line light rail extension and launching the bus system redesign initiative, Envision My Ride.
John continues to lead CATS during a significant stage of growth. Construction of phase 2 of the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar project is underway, along with the design of the future LYNX Silver Line light rail alignment. He's also serving in a critical role in the development of Charlotte Gateway District and signature multimodal station.
John's focus as CEO is on advancing the long-term transit plan, enhancing customer service to attract and retain customers and on ensuring a safe and reliable transit system for the region.
Mr. Lewis brings a wealth of transit knowledge and experience to Charlotte, having previously served as CEO of the Central Florida Regional Transit Authority (LYNX) where he provided strategic leadership to Central Florida's primary mass transit system. During his tenure at LYNX, he oversaw two design/build projects for the expansion of Orlando's LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit Line and managed three additional Alternatives Analysis Studies for the U.S. Route 192 Corridor in Osceola County, Route 50 Corridor in Orange County, and the final segment of the LYMMO study (North/South alignment).
Prior to his time with LYNX, Mr. Lewis held several leadership positions as the CEO of the Greater Richmond Transit Company, and Director of Rail Operations and Director of Bus Operations with the Maryland Transit Administration.
Lewis is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science.