ILLEGAL LIGHT RAIL CROSSING: CAUGHT ON VIDEO: People illegally crossing at light rail stations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It is illegal for someone to use emergency gates at light rail stations if there isn't an emergency.

The gates aren't locked, but are marked with red signs that say, “Emergency Only.”

Channel 9 obtained surveillance videos that show people using the gates as a cut-through to North Tryon Street.

Channel 9's cameras were also rolling when two people illegally crossed the tracks at the JW Clay Station on Thursday.

Charlotte-Area Transportation System officials said they've been dealing with the dangerous issue since the blue line extension opened in March.

"When you go out that door, you're putting your life in danger,” said Tom Hite, who rides the light rail every day.

Surveillance video from the JW Clay Station shows a moving train come within inches of the emergency gates, which then a man then uses to walk across the tracks.

CATS officials said people who use the gates as a cut-through can get hurt or killed by a passing train.

A spokesperson said people who cross the tracks and use the emergency gates are trespassing and can be arrested and fined.

Jhemara Miller said people can take the gateway to the garage or various crosswalks instead of using the emergency gates.

She hopes others know this too.

"I had no idea, and I was told at a different station that I could go through,” Miller said. “I'm glad I didn't get cited. That's pretty crazy that people are using that way. The signs are red.”

Since the blue line extension opened in March, CATS officials said six people have been cited for using emergency gates.

There were two people cited at the Sugar Creek Station and four at JW Clay.

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