Charlotte transit leaders: Buses and trains are more secure 

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones talks during an Oct. 3, 2025, press conference announcing new public safety initiatives on Charlotte Area Transit System routes and vehicles. The initiatives are in response to the Aug. 22, 2025, stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a Lynx Blue Line train in Uptown.

Charlotte’s transit authority reported improved safety on buses and trains over the first quarter of 2026.

Charlotte Area Transit System released updated data highlighting reduced crime and assaults across the transit system, reflecting the impact of comprehensive security initiatives implemented over the past year. City leaders announced in October safety upgrades on CATS routes and vehicles in response to the Aug. 22, 2025, stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a Lynx Blue Line train in Uptown. DeCarlos Brown Jr. was charged with murder as well as a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. He has pleaded not guilty.

“The data shows the security enhancements we have implemented are taking hold and yielding meaningful improvements,” CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle said in a statement. “While we recognize safety and security is a continued moving target, CATS today is in a very different place than it was three years ago. We remain firmly committed to the safety of our employees and customers.”

A consolidated contract with Professional Security Services and increased partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, deployment of off-duty officers and Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s deputies, CATS reported improvements in passenger and operator protection. Among the changes in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 2025:

• 69% decrease in crime on the Blue Line

• 67% fewer bus operator and passenger assaults

• No assaults recorded for operators or passengers that required a medical response 

• No passenger-on-passenger assaults, a reduction from three a year prior 

CATS also cited new safety protocols since WeDriveU assumed management of bus operations in 2024 that have improved security, including:

• Radio controllers with real-time video access to vehicles and undergo enhanced training to ensure rapid deployment of emergency services. 

• Expanded announcements notify passengers that audio/video recording is active and that aggressive behavior toward operators will result in criminal charges.

• Average response time for bus communications to capture a call fell to 35 seconds, with bus-originated calls taking priority over schedule alerts.

• Additional protocols for high-level events ensure on-duty lead controllers coordinate responses to threats of violence immediately.

• Operators are equipped with overt and covert emergency buttons as well as real-time coaching to manage disruptions.

"Our proactive safety and security measures are delivering tangible results, and seeing systemwide crime numbers drop is a major step forward,” CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer Eric Osnes said. “We will keep building on this momentum, adjusting our strategies in real-time to protect our community and stay ahead of the curve."

Enhancements have also been made to reporting functions for customers, such as an integrated Text-a-Tip line – (704) 251-6402 – for riders to report problems. CATS-Pass app also has an updated report a problem button for better visibility and new signage has been added to request support listed as well as overhead audio announcements.

CATS is also looking ahead with a dedicated fare enforcement unit and partnering with Central Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte to develop AI-driven security technologies. Those enhancements are part of the proposed FY2027 operating and capital budgets as well as the integrated Public Safety and Security Plan. 

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