One year after Iryna Zarutska was killed on a Lynx Blue Line train, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is still under scrutiny for how well it has delivered on safety commitments made by former interim CEO Brent Cagle. The commitments included adding more security personnel, tightening ticket verification and expanding surveillance technology.
State auditor highlights ongoing gaps
State Auditor Dave Boliek’s office released a report this week that finds riders continue to see safety gaps across the system. While CATS has increased law‑enforcement support, the auditor says staffing levels remain insufficient and recommends physical barriers on platforms to curb fare evasion and improve security. The open‑platform design currently allows riders to board without a ticket check, a point the auditor says creates opportunities for illegal activity.
City officials respond
Charlotte’s Safety Committee Chair, Dante Anderson, told WCNC that the agency has made “significant improvements” over the past ten months, citing added police presence and new technology that can detect dangerous objects such as knives and guns on trains or platforms. Anderson emphasized that technology is only part of the solution and that continued investment is needed.
Council members question feasibility
Several city councilmembers expressed skepticism about the auditor’s recommendation to install platform barriers, calling the proposal unrealistic given budget constraints and the existing infrastructure. Council members also urged CATS to focus on increasing visible police patrols on trains and at stations, a measure many riders say would make them feel safer.
New fare‑evasion team slated for October
In response to ongoing concerns, CATS announced a new fare‑evasion team will launch in October. The team will consist of 60 ambassadors tasked with addressing ticket‑compliance issues and deterring illegal riding. The move is intended to reduce revenue loss and improve overall safety by limiting the number of riders without valid tickets.
Looking ahead
While the audit underscores that progress has been made, it also signals that CATS still has work to do to meet the safety expectations of Charlotte’s commuters. Stakeholders—including city officials, transit riders and advocacy groups—are watching closely as the agency implements the auditor’s recommendations and prepares for the upcoming fare‑evasion team rollout.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
