Channel 9 exposes violent incidents on CATS buses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sources within the Charlotte Area Transit System reached out to Channel 9 concerned about serious incidents on buses this year, including beatings.

Channel 9 obtained video of a half-dozen dangerous outbursts.

When these incidents get out of hand, passengers often pay the price, getting caught in the middle.

In a situation in March, a man kept a bus from leaving its stop on North Tryon Street for almost 20 minutes. He said two people on board had robbed him.

During that time, one of those two people shoved the man out of the bus. The chaos continued as a passenger in a wheelchair tried to board.

Another bus had to come for all 29 passengers.

Channel 9 found two other incidents involving knives, both caught on camera.

In April, a man pulled a box cutter on a woman while riding along 4th Street in uptown Charlotte.

In May, on Fairview Road, a man with a pack of beer stumbled, eventually confronting another passenger with a knife.

No one was hurt in either case and police arrested both men who had knives.

A CATS spokesperson said safety is a top priority, and that the system constantly works on security.

CATS said these incidents are rare, with 300 of the estimated 21 million riders in the last year cited for disorderly conduct.

Some riders, like Endija Reid, who rides the bus with her young daughter, said they ride with caution.

"Look over your shoulder and just make sure that, you know, you're OK,” Reid said.

Channel 9 has investigated violence on CATS buses twice since 2014.

Since then, CATS said it has put more safety measures in place.

Officials said uniformed officers have been riding buses, including 100 rides in June. They said undercover officers in plainclothes also ride.

CATS also implemented a new exclusion policy, allowing officials to ban certain riders for 24 hours or up to an entire year.

CATS said as it expands safety and security measures are built into every project, from planning to construction operations.

You can report any incident on a bus anonymously through the CATS smartphone app.

Cox Media Group