Leaders will testify on Monday before a state committee on safety and reform in CATS, amid recent violent incidents and safety audit deficiencies.
RALEIGH, N.C. โ Charlotte and Mecklenburg County leaders are set to testify Monday morning before the North Carolina House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform regarding safety concerns surrounding the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
The hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny of the transit system following several high-profile violent incidents over the past year and a recent Federal Transit Administration audit that identified multiple safety deficiencies within CATS operations. Lawmakers said they want answers about how local leaders are addressing crime prevention, security staffing and overall rider safety.
RELATED: FTA releases CATS audit, identifies 18 non-compliant safety areas
Officials expected to testify include Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle, and Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather.
Republican members of the committee have indicated they plan to question leaders about law enforcement coordination, resource allocation, crime trends on public transit, and steps being taken to comply with federal safety recommendations. The hearing is also expected to examine broader public safety strategies across Mecklenburg County.
However, some Democratic lawmakers have criticized the hearing, calling it political theater. They argue the session is being used to target Democratic-led local governments rather than foster collaborative solutions. Democrats say local and federal agencies are already working to address transit safety concerns, including increased coordination between CATS and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and efforts to strengthen safety protocols.
The Federal Transit Administration has required CATS to address identified safety issues within a set timeframe, adding urgency to local reform efforts. City officials have previously outlined plans to improve security presence and operational oversight across the system.
Mondayโs testimony is expected to draw significant attention as state lawmakers weigh whether additional oversight or legislative action is needed to address safety concerns within Charlotteโs transit system.
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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