CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte City Council approved the new fare enforcement plan for the Charlotte Area Transit System.
Earlier this month, transit authority officials said they wanted to dedicate 60 officers to fare enforcement, phase out cash payments, and raise the age for senior passes from 62 to 65.
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Channel 9’s Hunter Sáenz met with Josh Williams as he bought a ticket at the Blue Line New Bern Station in South End, and he said he likely didn’t need it after his experience riding the light rail.
“To be honest, the few times I’ve used it, I haven’t seen anyone checking the tickets,” Williams said.
But CATS says that will soon change. Monday night, Charlotte City Council’s decision means dozens of new fare ambassadors will be patrolling the line. Their only job will be to check for tickets.
Right now, verifying tickets falls on security officers.
“You have to pay to access,” said Charlotte City Councilmember Dante Anderson.
Anderson was part of the unanimous vote in favor of the $5 million plan.
“It could potentially stave off any crime or any activities as someone is not supposed to be on the platform,” Anderson said.
It comes after the brazen homicide of Iryna Zarutska, who was stabbed ot death on the Blue Line last August. The suspect in her killing, DeCarlos Brown, didn’t have a ticket to be on board.
Back in South End, riders like Williams welcome the enforcement.
“I think anything that helps with safety is great,” Williams said.
The first phase will start with farte ambassadors on the Blue Line this fall. After that, the plan is to expand this to the Gold Line and city buses. The ambassadors will be employed by a separate company contracted with the city.