CATS kicks off support of National See Tracks? Think Train® Week

Published on September 22, 2026

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 21, 2026

Contact: 980-722-0311

CATSPR@charlottenc.gov

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is joining rail partners across North America to kick off See Tracks? Think Train® Week today, an annual week-long public awareness campaign focused on rail safety education, taking place Sept. 21 through 27, 2026.

The educational week, now celebrating its 10th year, is spearheaded by Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nonprofit committed to preventing collisions, injuries and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings. CATS has participated for the previous four years.

“Rail safety isn’t just about big moments, it’s about the small, safe choices our community makes every day,” said Brent Cagle, Interim CEO at CATS. “We need everyone to stay alert and follow rail safety rules at all times.”

This annual initiative aims to promote awareness, education and action around rail safety. Each day highlights a different theme to help prevent accidents on and around rail tracks.

CATS invites customers and the community to participate in the following events and engage with CATS’ social media platforms for valuable safety tips and updates.

CATS’ See Tracks? Think Train® Week Initiatives:

Monday, Sept. 21: Stop Track Tragedies

  • Kicking off the week with Safety Tips from our CATS Safety Staff

Tuesday, Sept. 22: Operation Clear Track

  • Charlotte- Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and CATS staff team up to promote safe practices and eliminate risky behaviors near rail crossings

Wednesday, Sept. 23: Crossing Safety

Thursday, Sept. 24: Building a Culture of Rail Safety

  • Promise Resource Network and CATS staff will be located along the Blue Line alignment distributing safety resources.

  • Join us for a live Broadcast with Power 98s’ morning MADDHOUSE at Scaleybark Station featuring No Limit Larry who will educating customers on the importance of rail safety (rescheduled from Wednesday due to weather)

Friday, Sept. 25: You’re Not Alone: Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention

  • Wear red in support of See Tracks? Think Train® week

Saturday, Sept. 26: Tresspass Prevention

  • Safety and Security Pops Up’s in Partnership with Professional Security Services and CMPD across the alignment, engagement and sharing with customers

Rail Safety is a collective responsibility shared by CATS, our customers, employees, operators, pedestrians and the community. CATS reminds the public of the following basic rail safety rules:

  • Always look both ways before crossing rails and expect a train at any time, on any track, from either direction.

  • Never cross tracks when gate arms are down or lights are flashing.

  • Avoid distractions (like phones or headphones) when walking on or near platforms or crossings.

  • Crossing railroad tracks outside of dedicated crosswalks is dangerous and illegal.

Customers can find additional information on how to stay safe around train tracks and crossings on the CATS Rail Safety webpage.

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Use the CATS-Pass app for live vehicle tracking and trip planning. For questions or concerns, riders can speak directly to a customer service representative at 704-366-7433.

The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To request a reasonable accommodation or translation (free of charge), please email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-7433. Call Center open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 - 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 - 4 p.m.

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