Safety
Campus and student safety is a top priority.
CATS works closely with UNC Charlotte’s police department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on the safety of light rail passengers. In addition to safety measures already in place by CATS – like advanced, state-of-the-art cameras and security officers on trains – the University has taken additional steps to accommodate light rail on campus. Security cameras, extra lighting and blue light phones are installed at the station on campus. Additional police officers have been hired and assigned to patrol the area, especially during peak travel times and at night.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to download the LiveSafe app, which connects you immediately to law enforcement in the event of an emergency. The CATS See Say app also allows users to make reports of suspicious behavior observed on light rail trains.
The University’s police department is an accredited, state-authorized law enforcement agency. The department is dedicated to community safety, and officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Safety tips
Use caution and be aware of your surroundings when traveling around the light rail alignment.
- Do not walk on or near the light rail tracks except at designated pedestrian crossings.
- Obey all traffic signals and signs in the light rail area.
- Never get near or attempt to touch the overhead lines. The overhead catenary system, which provides the electricity for light rail, is energized at all times.
- Never try to beat the crossing gates. Light rail trains travel at speeds of 35-55 mph and always have the right of way.
- Wait for crossing gates to open before crossing. Crossing gates are required to come down 20 seconds prior to trains arrival.