Safety & Security

CATS Security Staff

Safety is CATS No. 1 priority!

Ensuring safety is the cornerstone of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). The dedicated Office of Safety and Security diligently upholds this commitment every day across all interactions and operations. Whether you’re a passenger, an employee or a contractor, your wellbeing is paramount when you’re within the reach of CATS’s services, which include our buses, light rail, streetcars, paratransit and Vanpool vehicles.

We prioritize the integrity of our physical infrastructure as much as the security of our commuters and staff. It’s a shared responsibility, and your active participation is invaluable.

Together, let’s maintain a secure and safe environment for all who rely on CATS for their daily travels. Your safety is not just our number one priority—it’s our promise.

View our Rider's Code of Conduct: Code of Conduct

Help Maintain Our Safety Standard:

We appreciate the support of the riding public to help keep CATS a safe and secure system.  If you see a safety or security issue please use the following contacts:

Safety Issues:

  • Customer service at telltransit@charlottenc.gov or 704.336.7433 (RIDE) if you notice any potential hazards.

  • If you see a hazard at Rail Grade Crossing look for the blue Emergency Notification Sign (ENS) on the grade crossing gate mechanism and call the number on the sign. 

Emergency Notification Sign at rail crossing   Emergency Notification Sign at rail crossing

Security Issues:

  • Stay Alert: Immediately inform a transit police officer or security guard, or a train or streetcar operator if you notice any potential hazards.
  • Be Vigilant: Use the CATS See Something, Say Something app to report any suspicious activities or behaviors. This app is designed for both iPhone and Android devices, ensuring that security is always at your fingertips.
  • Call 911 if you need immediate assistance from police officers.

For Our Contractors:

  • Stay Informed: Contractors on the Blue Line or Gold Line Streetcar must undergo a mandatory CATS Right-of-Way Safety Training. Schedule your session by emailing reportsafety@charlottenc.gov.
  • Get Authorized: To obtain a Right-of-Way Access Request Form, please reach out to the Chief Rail Controller for the necessary documentation.

CATS Agency Safety Plan

CATS Agency Safety Plan

Safety Tips

Rail Evacuation:

Embark on a Career in Transit Security with Our Contractors

At CATS, while our transit security personnel are not directly employed by us, they are integral to our commitment to safety. We partner with esteemed contractors who are responsible for their own recruitment processes.

If you’re interested in contributing to the safety of our transit system and joining this vital workforce, we invite you to explore career opportunities with our contractors. Please visit the links below to discover more about their organizations and current job openings.

Join forces with us and become a part of the team that keeps Charlotte moving safely. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our extended family of security professionals in the future!

Professional Security Services employee in front of a CATS bus                                                                       Strategic Security Corp. employee on CityLYNX Gold Line at the train door

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