North Carolina CATS Faces Federal Review After Rising Crime Threatens Travel Safety in Charlotte, Update You Need to Know

Published on September 11, 2025

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) of North Carolina is facing a federal review after rising crime has threatened the travel safety in the city. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is launching an investigation into CATS’ security measures, following a troubling increase in assaults on both passengers and transit workers. The review will focus on evaluating whether the transit system’s safety plans and security spending are sufficient to address the growing risks. This federal action comes after the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska, a passenger killed on a CATS train, which highlighted the vulnerability of both workers and riders in the face of escalating violence. With assaults on transit workers rising sharply, the FTA aims to determine if CATS is doing enough to ensure safe travel for all. The investigation is part of broader efforts to improve public transportation safety nationwide.

A Tragic Incident Sparks Federal Action

The death of Iryna Zarutska in a violent attack has brought national attention to the safety conditions on CATS buses and trains. Despite efforts by local leaders to downplay the issue, the incident underscores the dire need for enhanced security within the transit system. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has criticized the soft on crime policies that he believes allowed the crime to occur, leading to his call for a federal review of CATS’ safety measures.

In his statement, Duffy explained that the administration was adopting a whole-of-government approach to hold progressive, weak politicians accountable for enabling violent assailants to terrorize public transit systems. He added that at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), this meant investigating CATS and other transit agencies to assess whether they were taking the necessary actions to ensure the safety of both riders and transit workers.

Rising Assaults and the FTA’s Investigation

The FTA’s investigation will primarily focus on the security spending and safety plans in place to protect both operators and passengers. The recent statistics highlight a concerning trend, as the number of assaults on transit workers at CATS has increased significantly in 2025. The current assault rate is now five times the national average, compared to only one major assault in 2024. Additionally, crimes against passengers have tripled compared to the national average, raising alarms for both local authorities and federal officials.

The investigation will assess whether the Charlotte transit system has complied with the safety protocols outlined under 49 CFR Part 673, the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans program. Specifically, the FTA will review the agency’s responses to directives aimed at mitigating safety risks, particularly regarding assaults on transit workers. This review is designed to ensure that measures are being implemented effectively to curb the escalating violence on the system.

Federal Review to Include Security Funding Details

The FTA has requested detailed information from CATS about its funding for security and safety measures. CATS must submit a report within 15 days outlining its actions to reduce crime and fare evasion, including data on crime trends and previously implemented actions. The report must also include details about security-related funds allocated for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This includes both Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and any non-FTA funds, such as those from the Department of Homeland Security, that are directed toward improving safety.

The FTA is also asking CATS to provide a comprehensive breakdown of expenditures related to security and safety programs, including budgeted funds for crime prevention and fare evasion. This will include comparisons to prior-year spending to assess whether funding allocations are sufficient to address the growing security concerns. In particular, the FTA will evaluate whether CATS has met the security capital projects set aside requirement for Urbanized Area Formula Grants, as mandated by federal law.

Addressing the Root Cause of Safety Concerns

In addition to the financial analysis, the FTA will assess CATS’ Safety Risk Reduction Program, focusing on how well the system is addressing the risk of assaults on transit workers. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation strategies that have been implemented in response to earlier directives issued by the FTA. General Directive 24-1, which was issued by the FTA in September 2024, called for immediate actions to protect transit workers from violence.

With crime rates on the rise, the FTA’s review of CATS will also consider the agency’s overall safety culture and its commitment to maintaining a secure environment for both workers and riders. The federal review is a critical step toward ensuring that the growing threats to public safety on Charlotte’s transit system are adequately addressed.

Ongoing Concerns for Local Transit Operators and Commuters

While the federal investigation takes shape, concerns continue to mount for both transit workers and passengers in Charlotte. The increase in assaults and crimes against transit workers and passengers has left many questioning whether the existing safety measures are sufficient. As incidents like the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska gain public attention, local leaders are under pressure to act decisively to curb violence and prevent further tragedies.

In response to the federal investigation, CATS has vowed to cooperate fully with the FTA and produce a transparent, measurable plan to enhance the security of its buses, trains and stations. The outcome of the federal review could shape the future of the transit system and the safety measures implemented across the network.

Conclusion

The federal review of the Charlotte Area Transit System comes at a critical juncture as safety concerns continue to grow. With a significant rise in assaults and criminal activity, the FTA’s investigation will determine whether CATS has adequately addressed the risks facing both its workers and commuters. The findings could lead to significant changes in the way the system operates and how transit agencies across the country address rising crime within public transportation networks.