Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that the federal government has initiated an investigation into the security procedures of the Charlotte transport system following the tragic death of a Ukrainian woman.
The Department of Transport released a statement indicating that the Federal Transport Agency (FTA) has requested details regarding the Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) specifically about plans to combat crime and fare evasion within the system.
Additionally, the FTA has called for information about the budget allocated for security and information systems from external agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to be submitted within the next 15 days.
In a statement, Duffy expressed, “This administration is taking an all-government approach to address the failures that have allowed these progressive, lenient politicians to endanger our public transport system.” He further noted that the USDOT is investigating CATS and other transport systems to assess whether they are doing enough to ensure safety for both riders and workers.
The FTA is also reviewing CATS’ compliance with federal safety mandates aimed at reducing risks associated with assaults on transit workers.
According to a letter from Joe DeLorenzo, the FTA’s chief safety officer, the agency pointed out a significant increase in reported incidents from 2024 to 2025. It rose from one major attack on transportation workers last year to six this year, which illustrates a concerning trend as the year is still ongoing. Furthermore, crime rates within the CATS system for passengers now stand at three times the national average.
FTA administrator Marcus J. Molinaro conveyed in a letter to Mayor VI Lyles that the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train “is preventable and indicative” of a broader leadership and accountability failure that cannot be overlooked.
Molinaro emphasized, “Safety isn’t just a talking point; it is the core duty of public service.” He went on to stress that federal funding for transport is contingent upon local leaders upholding their part of the agreement. “Citizens shouldn’t have to finance a system where safety is disregarded,” he said, highlighting the government’s stance on this issue.
The FTA has called for an immediate release of security plans aimed at enhancing visible transport security, improving police coordination, increasing staff levels, and upgrading monitoring capabilities across all local buses, trains, and stations.
In response, CATS stated their commitment to rider safety. “We are fully dedicated to collaborating with local, state, and federal partners,” the statement read, adding that these relationships are essential to their mission and they appreciate the trust and cooperation they signify as they work toward improving local transportation systems.
