Charlotte, NC, October 10, 2025
News Summary
In response to a fatal stabbing incident, Charlotte’s transit system has introduced improved security measures, including deploying 200 security officers. Passengers reported a fluctuating presence of enforcement, leading to concerns about safety, especially during nighttime hours. Increased fare citations reflect heightened enforcement efforts. The Charlotte Area Transit System is pursuing long-term solutions to further enhance safety, including a dedicated fare inspection team. A recent audit raised questions about the effectiveness of security priorities and practices, prompting a review of policies.
Charlotte’s transit system has recently implemented enhanced security measures in response to a tragic stabbing incident that led to the death of Iryna Zarutska. One month after these measures were introduced by Mayor Vi Lyles and transit leaders, passengers have reported a noticeable, although inconsistent, presence of enforcement throughout the system.
To increase security, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has deployed approximately 200 Professional Security Services officers in the transit system, which includes over 40 armed personnel. This enforcement initiative is further supported by more than 960 hours per week of off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers aimed at improving safety on the Blue Line trains and stations.
Reports from riders, like Eric Santos, indicate that while security presence has increased, it can vary significantly, with some individuals feeling that enforcement efforts seem lighter at times compared to earlier in the initiative.
The program has effectively raised fare enforcement activities, as evidenced by the issuance of 1,861 citations as of October 8, 2025. This figure is already nearing the total of 2,038 citations issued throughout all of 2024. For context, in prior years when fare-free procedures were in place, CATS issued only 83 citations in 2020, 93 in 2021, and 87 in 2022. The issuance of citations spiked sharply in 2023 to 4,757, corresponding with a rebound in ridership following the pandemic.
To improve the situation further, CATS is actively pursuing long-term solutions aimed at streamlining enforcement efforts. This includes the establishment of a dedicated fare inspection team focused on proof-of-payment verification, as well as the introduction of bike units and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to enhance coverage and response times along the Blue Line and rail trail.
The deployment of security personnel is determined based on data indicating the areas of greatest need. However, some riders have expressed concerns about feeling unsafe during nighttime hours, prompting a local call for enhanced security measures. In response, CATS has initiated an external review of their security and fare-related policies to ensure they align with industry standards.
The mid-term initiatives also focus on the creation of a dedicated fare inspection team. Long-term plans over the next two to five years include revamping the fare policy, integrating technology upgrades, and simplifying payment systems to bolster security and rider experience. Riders have generally appreciated the city’s proactive steps but acknowledge that there is still room for improvement in safety measures.
Moreover, a “See Something, Say Something” initiative has been introduced, encouraging transit customers to report any security or safety concerns through emergency call buttons or the CATS-Pass app.
According to a recent audit, there was a concerning 40% reduction in the number of armed security guards leading up to Zarutska’s murder, despite an increase in overall spending on transit security contracts which rose from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025. The audit also revealed significant critique regarding the hiring practices that favored unarmed security under the city’s Charlotte Business Inclusion program, raising questions about the city’s security priorities and their effectiveness.
In response to these findings, Mayor Vi Lyles defended the city’s security decisions, asserting that they complied with all procurement regulations and contesting the validity of the auditor’s criticisms. The audit underscored the necessity for enhanced safety measures for transit users and emphasized accountability for city officials related to security practices.
FAQs
What enhanced security measures have been implemented by the Charlotte transit system?
Charlotte’s transit system has deployed approximately 200 Professional Security Services officers, including over 40 armed personnel, and added off-duty CMPD officers to patrol the Blue Line.
How many fare citations have been issued recently?
As of October 8, 2025, there have been 1,861 citations issued, which is near the total of 2,038 citations for all of 2024.
What is the historical context of fare citations in the Charlotte transit system?
In previous years, fare citations were significantly lower: 83 in 2020, 93 in 2021, and 87 in 2022, when fare-free procedures were in place.
What steps are being taken to improve security further?
CATS is working on long-term fixes, including establishing a dedicated fare inspection team and introducing technology upgrades over the next two to five years.
What is the “See Something, Say Something” initiative?
This initiative encourages transit customers to report concerns through emergency call buttons or the CATS-Pass app.
What did the recent audit reveal about security personnel?
The audit revealed a 40% reduction in armed security guards leading up to Zarutska’s murder, despite increased spending on security contracts.
| Feature | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Security Personnel Deployed | 200 Professional Security Services officers |
| Armed Security Personnel | 40+ |
| Weekly CMPD Patrol Hours | 960+ |
| Fare Citations Issued (2025) | 1,861 |
| Fare Citations Issued in 2024 | 2,038 |
| Citations Issued in 2023 | 4,757 |
| Citations Issued in 2022 | 87 |
| Security Spending (2025) | $18.4 million |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: CATS Safety Overhaul
- WBTV: New Lawsuit Blames CATS Security
- NSJ Online: Audit Finds Cut in CATS Security
- Mass Transit Magazine: CATS Safety Guidelines
- Wikipedia: Charlotte Area Transit System
Author: HERE Charlotte
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