Fare Ambassadors will check tickets on CATS trains

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – CATS officials are celebrating 50 years of public transit in Charlotte while beefing up ticket enforcement.

“We know that a lot of times people may not buy their ticket, but having that visible presence, having a reminder there about the importance of being a ticketed passenger. That’s what really people need,” Brent Cagle, Interim CATS CEO.

You may have seen the ambassadors at parades or other events in uptown wearing orange shirts. CATS has a $5 million dollar contract with the company Block by Block for the fare ambassadors who will be a part of the larger safety plan for CATS.

“Officers about 1500 hours a week of off-duty officers. Our security, our corporate security or company police force, it continues to grow for next year. They’re at about 160 officers. We’re adding the fair enforcement at 60, so we have a visible presence,” Cagle said.

Last Saturday, 37-year old Ramone Norman was caught with two knives on the Blue Line train. He was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. Police and security showed up moments after the disturbance which makes some riders feel safer.

“I feel safe enough. Honestly. I really do,” Cassy, CATS Rider said. “I mean, I’m always aware of my surroundings too, regardless. I make sure that I position myself so that I have full view of everyone and what could possibly go on.”

Other riders say the only way to make CATS safer would be to convert the system to a gated, closed style.

“They need to be like DC or New York where they have the doors, the turn things. That’s the only way,” Matthew, CATS Rider said.

CATS Officials hope to have fare ambassadors working within the next three months. They will have the authority to write citations. If something escalates, they will partner with police and security for enforcement. In the meantime, security will continue fare enforcement.