Charlotte Takes Action on Transit Safety Following Violent Incidents

Charlotte, NC, December 24, 2025

Charlotte is enhancing safety measures within its transit network after a series of violent incidents on the CATS light rail system. Discussions led by Transit Trustee David Longo emphasize the urgent need for improved security. The Metropolitan Public Transit Authority plans to establish a dedicated, fully funded transit police force and significantly increase the safety budget. These measures are in response to investigations into rising crime rates affecting both transit workers and riders, with state and federal authorities expressing concern over safety standards in the system.

Charlotte Addresses Urgent Transit Safety Concerns Amidst Recent Incidents

Charlotte is intensifying efforts to address significant public safety concerns across its transit network, particularly following several violent incidents on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail. Discussions on December 23, 2025, saw Transit Trustee David Longo, who also serves as the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Chairman, emphasize the critical need for enhanced security throughout the system. These discussions are part of broader initiatives by the newly established Metropolitan Public Transit Authority, aiming to ensure safety across all CATS services, especially as a recently approved one-cent sales tax referendum is set to go into effect.

Enhanced Security Measures and New Authority Plans

The urgency to improve transit safety stems from a series of high-profile incidents. On August 22, 2025, a fatal stabbing occurred on the LYNX Blue Line, claiming the life of Iryna Zarutska. This was followed by a non-fatal stabbing on December 8, 2025, involving Kenyon Dobie, also on the light rail. A separate stabbing incident in December 2025 near the 25th Street station led to the arrest of Oscar Solarano, who was reportedly in the country illegally and had been previously deported. These events have underscored the demand for immediate and effective security solutions.

David Longo, as a key board member of the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority, has articulated that safety and security are paramount priorities. He stated that implementing a system to support these goals is critical for the region’s public transportation. The Metropolitan Public Transit Authority is a 27-member board designed to oversee public transportation in Charlotte. A significant aspect of its mandate, contingent on the approval of a sales tax increase for transit passes, is the planned establishment of a dedicated, fully funded, and armed transit police force. This specialized force would be tasked with focusing on all facets of transit safety and the security of transportation infrastructure. These types of dedicated transit police forces are common in cities nationwide.

Federal Scrutiny and State-Level Demands

The safety challenges facing CATS have drawn attention from both federal and state authorities. In September 2025, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) initiated an investigation into CATS, scrutinizing its security spending, safety planning, and measures to protect both operators and riders. The FTA’s findings highlighted a concerning trend: the rate of assaults on transit workers in 2025 was reportedly five times the national average, a significant increase from prior years, and crimes against riders were three times the national average. The FTA warned that federal transit funding, projected at $33.3 million for the Charlotte area this fiscal year, could be at risk if measurable progress in securing the system is not made.

Adding to the pressure, North Carolina House Republicans have formally requested extensive records from Charlotte officials. These demands, sent on December 19, include documents related to violent crime, diversity initiatives, and immigration enforcement. Lawmakers expressed concern that the city might be prioritizing “ideological initiatives” over fundamental public safety, especially in light of the August and December stabbings on the light rail. Furthermore, a rapid response report from the North Carolina State Auditor’s Office (OSA) in November 2025 raised serious concerns. The audit pointed to a reduction in armed officers, unfilled security positions, and potentially questionable procurement practices in awarding security contracts, all while riders faced crime rates three times the national average. This report also noted a significant increase in security spending, from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025, despite a more than 40% drop in armed guards.

CATS’ Initiatives and Public Perception

In response to these escalating concerns, CATS has undertaken several initiatives to bolster security. The agency has more than tripled its safety and security budget, increasing it from $5.8 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in fiscal year 2025, with plans to further raise it to $33.7 million in FY2026. These investments are directed towards increasing officer presence, upgrading technologies, and strengthening safety systems through improved training, rapid incident response, crisis intervention, and robust fare enforcement. Measures also include the deployment of new bike and UTV patrols to enhance visibility and quicken response times across the Blue Line and bus network. For riders, a “See Something, Say Something” feature in the CATS-Pass app allows for quick and anonymous reporting of safety concerns directly to security personnel.

The city’s approach to public perception has also been a point of discussion. The Charlotte City Council approved a $3.4 million marketing and communications contract with a Texas-based firm on December 8, aiming to improve public perception of the transit system. This decision, made just days after the second light rail stabbing, drew criticism from some who suggested the funds should be allocated directly to enhancing safety rather than public relations. CATS, however, clarified that the contract was a replacement for an expired one and its timing was coincidental, not directly correlated with recent incidents.

Long-Term Vision for Charlotte’s Transportation Future

These immediate safety interventions are unfolding against the backdrop of Charlotte’s ambitious long-term transportation plans. The Charlotte region is experiencing rapid growth, with its population projected to increase by nearly 50% in the next 25 years. To meet these demands, Mecklenburg County voters approved a transportation referendum in November, which is expected to generate over $19 billion in new revenue over 30 years. This funding is earmarked for substantial investments in roads, rail, and bus projects, including the Red Line commuter rail to the Lake Norman area and increased bus frequency on various routes.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance has actively supported this transportation referendum, viewing it as a crucial catalyst for economic growth and job creation in the region. However, the plan has also faced criticism, with some voices suggesting that its focus on roads and light rail might disproportionately benefit certain areas, potentially leaving lower-income bus riders with fewer improvements and risking the reinforcement of existing segregation patterns. The Metropolitan Public Transit Authority’s role will be pivotal in navigating these complex issues, ensuring that the substantial investments lead to a safer, more efficient, and equitable transportation system for all Charlotte residents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte Transit Safety

• What are the main concerns regarding Charlotte transit safety?

  The main concerns regarding Charlotte transit safety revolve around increased violent incidents, specifically stabbings on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail, and a reported increase in assaults on transit workers and riders. Federal and state audits have also highlighted issues with security staffing and contract procurement.

• Who is David Longo and what is his role in addressing transit safety?

  David Longo is the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Chairman and a board member of the newly formed Metropolitan Public Transit Authority. He emphasizes safety and security as top priorities for the transit system and is involved in discussions to enhance security across CATS services.

• What is the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority?

  The Metropolitan Public Transit Authority is a newly formed 27-member board established to oversee public transportation in Charlotte. Its goal is to ensure safety across all Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) services once a recently approved one-cent sales tax referendum goes into effect. It plans to establish a dedicated, fully funded, armed transit police force if the sales tax increase for transit passes is approved.

• What specific incidents have raised safety concerns on Charlotte transit?

  Specific incidents that have raised safety concerns include the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on the LYNX Blue Line on August 22, 2025, a non-fatal stabbing of Kenyon Dobie on December 8, 2025, on the light rail, and another stabbing in December 2025 near the 25th Street station involving Oscar Solarano.

• What measures is CATS implementing to improve safety?

  CATS is implementing several measures, including tripling its safety and security budget from $5.8 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in fiscal year 2025, with plans to reach $33.7 million in FY2026. Other measures include increasing officer presence, upgrading technologies, strengthening safety systems through better training, fast incident responses, crisis intervention, fare enforcement, and deploying bike and UTV patrols. A “See Something, Say Something” feature in the CATS-Pass app also allows for anonymous reporting of concerns.

• How is the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) involved?

  The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) launched an investigation into CATS in September 2025, focusing on security spending, safety planning, and protection measures. The FTA highlighted that rates of assaults on transit workers were five times the national average and crimes against riders were three times the national average in 2025, warning that federal funding could be at risk due to safety concerns.

Key Features of Charlotte’s Transit Safety Initiatives

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