Building Together: Gratitude and Dedication

Published on April 04, 2024

by Brandon T Hunter
Communications Division

As we look back over the past week, it's clear that the dedication and efforts of everyone at CATS have not only enriched our community but have also been recognized far beyond its borders. This reflection isn't merely about acknowledging our collective hard work, it's a testament to the impact we're making every day throughout the city and within CATS.

This week, CATS efforts were honored in a remarkable way, underscoring the relentless dedication that defines us. CATS was presented with two distinguished awards, each symbolizing the commitment to excellence and the community we serve.

First, in an extraordinary collaboration between CATS, the City of Charlotte, and visionaries like David Furman, Terry Shook and Richard Petersheim, we received the City Builder Award at the 2024 Vision Awards, presented by Charlotte Center City Partners. This accolade celebrates our powerful contributions to the growth and vibrancy of Center City, particularly through the transformation of the Blue Line Rail Trail. What began as an access path beside the historic Charlotte Trolley line has flourished into a vibrant destination brimming with cafes, breweries, art galleries and more. This evolution not only enhances our city's appeal but also propels CATS towards innovative project considerations, including potential Rail Trail-like features in other projects.

Second, our commitment to security and preparedness was recognized at the highest level by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which awarded CATS the Gold Standard Award. This award, the highest of the TSA recognitions, celebrates our exemplary achievements across 17 critical security and emergency preparedness categories. This honor is a direct result of the relentless dedication of our security division, who ensure that all CATS employees are adept in responding to emergencies and maintains a safe and secure environment for our community.

These awards serve as a beacon of our ongoing commitment to excellence. They are not just awards but affirmations of the hard work and dedication that each member of the CATS team invests daily. Our journey doesn't stop here. We continue to stride forward, dedicated to offering nothing but the best to the community we proudly serve every day.

We share these accomplishments to express our heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support and to reaffirm our pledge to enhance the lives of those we serve.

Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community and it's an honor to share this journey with our riders.