NCDOT threatened to shut down Charlotte rail service over staffing issues

CHARLOTTE — An unannounced inspection on Friday night by state transportation officials of the Charlotte Area Transit System’s rail operations center found that required staffing levels were not met — and the transit agency was ordered to “cease revenue service” if not addressed the following day.

The city released the N.C. Transportation Department’s findings this afternoon, hours after Brent Cagle, interim CEO of CATS, notified Charlotte City Council’s transportation committee of the inspection and described steps taken to ensure two operators are always on duty. Cagle did not mention the state’s order to cease service, effective immediately, unless staffing levels were increased.

Timothy Abbott, the NCDOT’s safety enforcement and oversight manager, sent Cagle the directive and findings on April 1, hours after the unannounced inspection that began late on the night of March 31 and extended into the early morning hours of the next day.

“Information obtained by NCDOT suggests that CATS is routinely assigning a single Rail Controller to oversee and manage the movement of all revenue service light rail vehicles and streetcars while simultaneously overseeing and managing rail vehicle yard movements in two rail yards,” he wrote. “If true, this would be contrary to NCDOT’s verification of CATS’ actions to address known staffing shortages following NCDOT’s triennial audit of CATS …”

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City Manager Marcus Jones says he recognizes CATS needs more staffing.

“Right now, CATS needs additional resources, and I am not suggesting funding resources, I am talking about people,” Jones said.

An anonymous tip led to the inspection

The city manager says proper staffing was not there during the surprise visit by NCDOT.

(WATCH BELOW: CATS told city manager day of light rail derailment)

CATS told city manager day of light rail derailment

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