DOT, FTA Launch Investigation After Charlotte Transit Murder

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has launched an investigation into the city of Charlotte’s handling of a deadly stabbing that occurred on its light rail system on August 22, reports Arri Woodhouse for Queen City News. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took the opportunity to malign public transit as a whole, despite transit being statistically safer than driving.

“In a letter to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle, FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro stresses that collaboration between the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and CATS relies fully on both entities doing their part to ensure the safety and security. Molinaro also calls on CATS to produce a transparent, measurable plan to secure Charlotte’s buses, trains, and stations.” According to the FTA, the rate of assaults on Charlotte’s transit system is five times the national average in 2025. The FTA is giving CATS 15 days to submit requested information including its plans to reduce crime and fare evasion and its planned security budget. 

Mayor Lyles said CATS is making changes that include increased security, an increased presence of CMPD on the Blue Line. new security teams on bikes and in vehicles, and close to 30 new security personnel.