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2/3/2026
The Federal Transit Administration yesterday released a report that identified 18 areas where the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) failed to meet federally mandated safety requirements.
The report summarizes an FTA audit of CATS' compliance with 49 CFR Part 673, the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) program. FTA initiated the audit after a young woman was stabbed to death in 2025 as she rode CATS's Lynx Blue light-rail line.
The audit found several performance issues including with how CATS assesses risk and track system fixes and conducts de-escalation training of staff. FTA also evaluated CATS’ responses to FTA directives and correspondence on addressing safety risks related to assaults on transit workers, FTA officials said in a press release.
In the report, FTA noted that the rate of assault on transit workers at CATS had risen to five times the national average and passenger crime rates are three times the national average in 2025.
CATS has 30 days submit corrective action plans that address all findings listed in the report, FTA officials said. FTA will review and approve — with revisions as necessary — CATS’ corrective action plans and will monitor the agency's efforts to resolve the concerns, FTA officials added.
The FTA report can be read here.