Charlotte, North Carolina, December 11, 2025
The Charlotte City Council has approved a $3.4 million contract with the Sherry Matthews Group to enhance the public image of the city’s transit system. This decision follows serious safety concerns after a recent stabbing on the Blue Line light rail. The council aims to promote the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) services while increasing ridership, but public response has criticized the investment in marketing over immediate security improvements.
Charlotte City Council Approves $3.4 Million Transit Marketing Contract Amid Safety Concerns
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte City Council has approved a $3.4 million contract with the Sherry Matthews Group, a Texas-based public relations firm, to enhance the public perception of the city’s transit system. This decision comes shortly after a stabbing incident on the Blue Line light rail, raising concerns about passenger safety.
Details of the Contract
The contract, approved unanimously by the city council, is a one-year agreement with the option for three one-year renewals. The Sherry Matthews Group is tasked with promoting Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) services, strengthening public outreach, and encouraging increased ridership. The funding for this contract is allocated from the CATS operating budget, which includes taxpayer money from sales tax, federal and state grants, fares, and other sources such as hotel and motel tax.
Recent Safety Incidents
On December 5, 2025, a stabbing occurred on the Blue Line light rail, involving a man who was previously banned from CATS property. This incident has intensified public concerns regarding the safety of the transit system. In August 2025, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the Blue Line, further highlighting the need for enhanced security measures. Following these events, the city council voted to expand the jurisdiction of the private security company, Professional Police Services, to include additional transit facilities and adjacent areas. This expansion aims to improve collaboration and reduce criminal activity near transit facilities.
Public Response and Criticism
Community members and transit riders have expressed dissatisfaction with the council’s decision to invest in a marketing campaign rather than prioritizing increased security measures. Advocates, including the family of Iryna Zarutska, emphasize the necessity for more visible security presence on trains and platforms to ensure passenger safety. They argue that addressing safety concerns should take precedence over efforts to boost ridership through promotional campaigns.
Background on Vision Zero Initiative
In 2018, Charlotte adopted the Vision Zero initiative, aiming to eliminate traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030. The initiative focuses on creating a safe transportation system for all users. Despite these efforts, an internal audit released in 2024 found that the city has struggled to reduce traffic fatalities, indicating challenges in implementing effective safety measures. The audit highlighted issues such as uneven traffic enforcement and inadequate tracking of safety performance metrics, suggesting a need for more comprehensive strategies to achieve the Vision Zero goals.
Conclusion
The approval of the $3.4 million marketing contract by the Charlotte City Council reflects a strategic effort to improve the public image of the city’s transit system. However, the decision has sparked debate over the prioritization of promotional activities over immediate safety enhancements. As the city continues to address these challenges, balancing the goals of increasing ridership and ensuring passenger safety remains a critical concern for both officials and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the $3.4 million contract approved by the Charlotte City Council?
The contract with the Sherry Matthews Group aims to enhance the public perception of the city’s transit system and encourage increased ridership.
What recent safety incidents have occurred on the Charlotte light rail?
On December 5, 2025, a stabbing occurred on the Blue Line light rail, involving a man who was previously banned from CATS property. In August 2025, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the Blue Line.
What is the Vision Zero initiative in Charlotte?
Vision Zero is an initiative adopted by Charlotte in 2018, aiming to eliminate traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030, focusing on creating a safe transportation system for all users.
What concerns have been raised regarding the city’s approach to transit safety?
Community members and transit riders have expressed dissatisfaction with the council’s decision to invest in a marketing campaign rather than prioritizing increased security measures, emphasizing the necessity for more visible security presence on trains and platforms to ensure passenger safety.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Contract Approval | The Charlotte City Council approved a $3.4 million contract with the Sherry Matthews Group to enhance the public perception of the city’s transit system. |
| Recent Safety Incidents | Incidents include a stabbing on the Blue Line light rail on December 5, 2025, and the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska in August 2025, raising concerns about passenger safety. |
| Public Response | Community members and transit riders have criticized the council’s decision, advocating for increased security measures over promotional campaigns. |
| Vision Zero Initiative | Charlotte’s Vision Zero initiative, adopted in 2018, aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030, focusing on creating a safe transportation system for all users. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duke University Claims First ACC Football Title in Over Six Decades
I-85 North Reopens After Police Situation in Gastonia, NC
Operation Safe Season Launched to Combat Uptown Crime
Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing Sparks Safety and Immigration Debate
Stabbing Incident on Charlotte Commuter Train Raises Safety Concerns
Charlotte’s Light Rail Stabbing Fuels Debate on Safety and Immigration
Light Rail Stabbing in Charlotte Raises Safety Concerns
Stabbing Incident Raises Public Safety Concerns in Charlotte
Honduran Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges Following Train Stabbing
Charlotte, NC: Immigration Policy Updates and Community Initiatives
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
