Charlotte transit system, which has struggled with safety, wins security award
CATS, which has struggled with safety, recognized for high security Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has been awarded the highest federal honor for "outstanding security measures and emergency preparedness." This recognition comes despite a history of violence and high profile incidents involving the transit system. Interim CEO Brent Cagle, who joined CATS in 2022, said efforts to improve safety are paying off. The Transportation Security Administration reviewed CATS' security plans, training, drills, background checks, and other operations. CATS has doubled its spending on security and hired two contractors to replace Allied Universal Security. It also placed "ambassadors" on buses to help with confusion and frustrations.
Published : a month ago by Alexandria Sands in Tech
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Charlotte Area Transit System has been awarded the highest federal honor for "outstanding security measures and emergency preparedness." Why it matters: CATS isn't exactly known for safety.
• Instances of stabbings and assault have taken place over the past year. In 2022, driver Ethan Rivera was shot and killed during a road rage incident.
Yes, but: Interim CEO Brent Cagle, who joined CATS in 2022 amid a chaotic overhaul of the system, tells Axios efforts to improve and prioritize safety over the last year are paying off.
How it works: About six months ago, the Transportation Security Administration reviewed CATS' security plans, training, drills, background checks and other operations.
• Of the 58 agencies TSA looked at this year, CATS was among the five top scorers.
Between the lines: CATS has doubled its spending on security and hired two contractors — local company PSS and Strategic Security Solutions — to replace Allied Universal Security. They're continuing to staff up to around 100 armed and unarmed officers on board.
• It's also placed "ambassadors" on buses to answer questions and ease confusion, which is expected to keep frustrating situations from escalating.