And they know it's probably only going to get worse. The Centralina Regional Council offered a recent update on its regional transit plan, which it calls CONNECT Beyond. The goal? To help the 12 counties throughout the Charlotte metro region build a better transportation system amid an expected surge in population over the next quarter century. Here are five things to know: More than roads A regional transit plan could weave together a network of high-capacity options like light rail, rapid bus transit and street cars - along with a fixed route bus network. Other possibilities include transportation for those facing disabilities and shorter distance choices like bike sharing, carpooling and future autonomous vehicles.