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Why it's so hard to keep America's public transit riders safe

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/15 .. o-keep-america-s-public-transit-riders-safe.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 7:18 GMT by WMUR
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Charlotte Light Rail Faces Safety Scrutiny After Recent Incident

A routine morning commute on Charlotte’s newly inaugurated light rail turned into a wake‑up call for city officials and riders alike. A collision at a pedestrian crossing in the Uptown district that left three passengers injured and the train stalled for nearly an hour has prompted a flurry of questions about safety, design, and oversight for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). The incident, reported by WMUR on May 30, has spurred an in‑depth look at how the city’s high‑speed rail project—an $1.8 billion investment that finally broke ground in 2021—meets the safety expectations of its growing ridership.

The Incident in Context

The crash occurred at 7:12 a.m. on a stretch of the 7‑mile line that serves the Uptown and South‑Charlotte corridors. A commuter bus traveling the route of the 24‑hour express service was struck by the light rail while crossing the intersection at Main and East‑Lake, an area that has historically seen a high volume of foot traffic. No fatalities were reported, but three passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor bruises to a fractured wrist, and the bus sustained significant damage to its rear bumper.

“Safety is our top priority, and we’re reviewing every element of the incident with the utmost urgency,” said CATS Director of Operations, Lisa Jackson. “We have a responsibility to our riders and the community, and we are committed to learning from this event.”

The incident prompted an immediate stop to train service on the line and a temporary suspension of the bus route until authorities could assess the crossing’s integrity. According to CATS, the rail service has been back on schedule for the last two weeks, but the incident remains under investigation.

Why the Incident Matters

Charlotte’s light rail is the newest addition to a city that has long relied on buses and streetcars. The project, which opened its first segment in 2022, carries more than 150,000 riders per day as of mid‑2024, with ridership expected to climb to 300,000 by the end of the decade. The rail’s design features a speed limit of 35 mph, advanced signal systems, and “smart” intersection controls that open gates for the train and close for vehicles and pedestrians.

In a city where over 20 % of the population commutes via public transit, even a single safety lapse can erode public trust. Historically, CATS has maintained a strong safety record, with the last major rail incident occurring in 1978—when a trolley was struck by a delivery truck. Since then, the agency has implemented a host of safety protocols, including rigorous driver training, real‑time monitoring of rail operations, and a robust emergency response plan.

The WMUR article notes that the city’s transit safety measures have received both praise and criticism. While some officials highlight the benefits of “automated gate systems” that prevent vehicles from crossing during a train’s approach, others argue that human error remains a key risk factor, particularly at intersections where the rail does not control vehicle traffic.

Follow‑Up Actions and Planned Improvements

Following the collision, CATS has already begun implementing a series of improvements aimed at bolstering safety. The agency is partnering with the Charlotte Police Department to increase traffic enforcement around the rail corridor, especially during peak commuting hours. Additionally, CATS is installing “intelligent” pedestrian signals that detect approaching trains and automatically adjust crossing times to give riders a safety buffer.

“We’re in talks with the state Department of Transportation to explore the feasibility of upgrading our existing traffic signals to a fully integrated system,” said Jackson. “Our goal is to make crossings more intuitive for all parties.”

In line with the City of Charlotte’s 2023 Safety Master Plan—link available on the city’s official website—the agency is conducting a full audit of all 12 rail crossings on the line. The audit will examine factors such as visibility, signage, and the physical condition of gates and barriers. CATS will also review its current training protocols for dispatchers and train operators, with a focus on scenarios that involve vehicle and pedestrian interactions.

The City Council, which met early last week to discuss the incident, passed a resolution calling for a public forum to solicit community input on safety. The meeting was announced by Mayor Vi Lyles, who emphasized that “public transit is a shared responsibility. We must all work together to keep our streets safe.”

The Bigger Picture: Public Transit Safety in America

The Charlotte incident is part of a national conversation about the safety of modern transit systems. Across the United States, rail agencies are grappling with similar challenges—especially as they expand to serve new regions. According to a 2023 federal report, there were 21 incidents involving light rail in the U.S. that year, with an average of 0.12 injuries per incident. Most of these were attributed to human error, inadequate signage, or technical failures.

In Charlotte, the WMUR article references a 2022 study that compared the safety performance of light rail versus bus rapid transit (BRT) systems. The study found that while BRT has a higher incidence of collisions, the severity of injuries is typically lower than those on light rail. Nonetheless, the Charlotte City Council is leaning toward a “multi‑layered safety strategy” that combines technology, enforcement, and community engagement.

The article also notes that the federal government has recently increased funding for transit safety research, making it possible for cities to pilot new solutions such as “predictive analytics” that forecast accident hotspots based on real‑time data. Charlotte is among the first to apply this technology to its rail network, a program that is still in its beta phase.

What to Expect Next

The immediate next step for CATS will be the completion of the safety audit, expected to be finalized by the end of the next month. The findings will inform a revised safety protocol that will be presented to the City Council for approval. Riders are advised to remain vigilant, especially when crossing at the intersection of Main and East‑Lake, until the upgrades are fully operational.

For those who rely on the light rail for daily commutes, the incident has highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the system. While the rail has dramatically reduced travel times and increased capacity, the event underscores the need for continuous improvement and community involvement.

As Charlotte moves forward with its transit vision, the city’s commitment to safety will be a litmus test of its ability to deliver reliable, secure, and sustainable public transportation. Whether the rail can maintain public confidence in the face of this setback remains to be seen, but the steps being taken—rooted in data, collaboration, and proactive planning—signal a city ready to learn and adapt.