The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has made major investments in safety and security to ensure every customer feels safe and remains safe when using transit. We’ve increased officer presence, upgraded technologies and strengthened our safety systems through better training, fast incident responses, crisis intervention and fare enforcement so that protection is built into every part of our network.
See Something, Say Something – right from your phone.
The See-Say button in the CATS-Pass app lets you quickly and anonymously report safety concerns.
You can:
Send a direct message to CATS security.
Share your location.
Add a photo if needed.
Your reports give our security team the real-time information they need to respond faster and keep everyone safe.
Use the See-Say button in the CATS-Pass app.
Call CATS Customer Service: 704-336-7433.
In an emergency, dial 911.
Accountability is part of safety. Fare checks help keep the system fair and secure.
Stronger zones. The fare zone at the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) has been expanded so the entire hub is covered.
Systemwide checks. Customers can expect ongoing fare enforcement across buses and rail to promote fairness and accountability.
New team. A dedicated Fare Inspection Team will launch in 2026 to conduct proof-of-payment checks and provide customer assistance.
You’ll see more security across the system than ever before.
More Officers, More Coverage. Our third-party partner, Professional Security Service, is now fully staffed along the Blue Line. Their efforts are further supported by 24 off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers, providing approximately 966 additional hours of coverage each week across the CATS system.
On the Move. Specialized patrols using bikes and urban terrain vehicles allow security personnel to cover more ground quickly and engage with riders along the Rail Trail in new ways.
Fare Blitzes. Ongoing systemwide fare checks promote accountability and visible enforcement.
Safety is backed by advanced technology throughout the system.
Cameras. Nearly 4,500 cameras are active across buses, trains and stations. A recent review of blind spots is guiding upgrades to further expand coverage.
Smart responses. New video analytics will help identify fare evasion or banned riders, improving response times and enforcement accuracy.
Real-time alerts. Riders can report issues directly to security through the CATS-Pass app report button. A representative will reach out as soon as possible.
CATS is making record investments to strengthen security across the system.
Tripled budget. Since 2022, CATS has more than tripled its safety and security budget – from $5.8 million to $18.4 million in FY2025, with plans to reach $33.7 million in FY2026.
Staff training. Nearly 600 employees have completed de-escalation training to better manage difficult situations.
CATS Connect. This program, launched in 2024, partners with CMPD, nonprofits and Mecklenburg County to assist unhoused riders and those experiencing crises.
We are proud to partner with Professional Security Services (PSS). They are integral to our commitment to safety.
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 partners. Please visit the link below to discover more about their organization and current job openings.
Join forces with us and become a part of the team that keeps Charlotte moving safely. We look forward to welcoming you to our family of security professionals!
PSS Careers
Security and Public Safety Plan(PDF, 320KB)
CATS Agency Safety Plan
Code of Conduct
Exclusion Policy(PDF, 208KB)
Learn about Rail Safety
Press Release
Exiting a Rail Vehicle(PDF, 181KB)
Salir de un Vehículo Ferroviario