LYNX safety measures
As a result of a recently released NCDOT report regarding a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail train derailment incident that took place on May 21, 2022, CATS has reached out to the University to educate riders about ongoing light rail safety initiatives.
The University is proud to partner with CATS to encourage safe and sustainable transportation options. The campus community should feel confident when riding light rail that their safety is the highest priority.
LYNX Blue Line incident
On May 21, 2022, one of the LYNX Blue Line rail vehicles was involved in a derailment when a middle truck wheel came off the tracks. Twenty-four passengers were evacuated safely with no injuries.
CATS submitted incident reports to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State Safety Oversight (SSO) Board and implemented a corrective action plan to address possibilities of future safety incidents.
Safety measures in place
The following measures have been implemented:
- CATS took immediate action to restrict LYNX Blue Line train speeds to 35 miles per hour.
- CATS will limit the maximum number of trains being run at any given time to ten (10) trains during normal operations.
- CATS staff will visually inspect temperature strips on all train trucks daily to determine that vehicle bearings/axles have not reached 130 degrees or greater, which is 20 degrees below the manufacturer’s recommended temperature.
- CATS will report weekly temperature readings to NCDOT SSO for all LYNX Blue Line vehicles.
- CATS will expedite the overhaul of LYNX Blue Line vehicles.
These additional measures will remain in place while CATS works with the train manufacturer to make any necessary repairs or modifications to the light rail train fleet.
LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Schedule
During COVID, CATS scaled back their light rail service due to limited ridership. Since that time, they’ve been working toward restoring a more frequent schedule that balances ridership demand and available staffing. On Feb. 26, CATS increased their peak-demand service (Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) to every 15 minutes. Train frequency during other operating times is every 20 minutes.
New safety measures described above do not change the current train schedule.
Ride the rail
Students who paid the Miscellaneous Transportation Service Charge (MTSC) may ride the light rail fare free with their CATS-Pass App. Faculty and staff may purchase an All-Access Transit Pass to ride light rail for $75 per year or $50 per semester.
Students and faculty/staff with All-Access Passes are also able to use the CATS bus system, Airport Sprinter and the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar as well.
Learn more about riding light rail.
Helpful CATS apps
CATS has a number of helpful mobile apps for navigating Charlotte transit. The CATS app provides schedule information and real-time tracking.
Download the CATS See Say app to report suspicious behavior on the light rail.
Show your rider pass with the CATS-Pass App.
Questions or concerns
If you have questions regarding CATS services, please contact the CATS Customer Service Center at: 704-336-7433 or email telltransit@charlottenc.gov.