Charlotte Launches Enhanced CATS Transit Safety Measures After Fatal Lynx Stabbing

In response to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train in August, city leaders have announced new security measures for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to enhance commuter safety. These measures include deploying bike and utility terrain vehicle patrols on the Blue Line to increase visibility and improve response times in high-traffic areas, supplemented by off-duty police patrols. The city has faced scrutiny after a state audit revealed a significant drop in armed security officers despite rising contract costs, with the number of armed guards decreasing from 68-88 in 2018 to just 39 currently. While the security contractor has increased total staffing levels, most personnel remain unarmed, leading to ongoing concerns about security effectiveness. City officials emphasized collaboration among multiple agencies and federal partners to ensure coordinated safety efforts, with Mayor Vi Lyles underscoring the commitment to making Charlotte a safe city for all residents. However, some riders expressed skepticism about the changes, noting no perceived difference in security presence so far.