CHARLOTTE — Starting Friday, CATS will deploy its team of fare ambassadors along the Blue Line as part of an effort to increase safety and make sure everyone pays for a ticket.
CATS hopes these ambassadors will help them make up some serious losses in their budget. The agency says it loses up to $6.5 million per year because of people not paying for tickets.
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- About half of riders not paying fares, costing millions each year, CATS says
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That will change on Friday. Starting this morning, it’s up to a new group of “ambassadors,” not officers, to enforce fares.
Customers will see a team of 60 total fare ambassadors on Blue Line cars and platforms. You’ll see them wearing blue shirts and yellow hats. They’ll check to make sure you have a valid ticket.
It’s a job that previously fell on security officers.
Council member Dante Anderson was part of the unanimous vote in favor of the plan. My colleague spoke with her over the summer.
“It could potentially stave off crime, any crime or any activities, as someone is not supposed to be on the platform,” Anderson said.
Before the crackdown, riders told us it’s something people could get away with.
“To be honest, the few times I’ve used it, I haven’t seen anyone checking the tickets,” said Josh Williams, a rider on the Blue Line.
The program is expected to expand in phases to buses and the Gold Line. But timing has not yet been set.
CATS is also raising the age for senior passes from 62 to 65.
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