IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     
Contact:  Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

CATS RECEIVES STATE AWARD FOR RAIL SAFETY EFFORTS
 
Charlotte, N.C., January 11, 2007 - CATS has received the Community Service Award from North Carolina Operation Lifesaver (OLI).  The award is “in recognition of the exceptional efforts CATS is making in Charlotte to educate the citizens and community in rail/highway safety.  Safety is a team effort.”  Twenty members of CATS staff are now trained OLI presenters and have done 50 safety presentations since June to groups such as school children, businesses, organizations and City employees. 
 
 “The start of the LYNX Blue Line will introduce rail traffic in South Charlotte for the first time in nearly 60 plus years,” said Ron Tober, CATS CEO.  “CATS’ staff identified the need for community education and is conducting the presentations to prepare the public for the start of light rail service in November 2007.”
 
Operation Lifesaver is an active, continuous public information and education program to help prevent and reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities by improving driver performance at the nation’s approximately 270,000 public and private highway-rail grade crossings and on rights-of-way. To achieve its mission, Operation Lifesaver developed a program that emphasizes Education, Engineering and Enforcement activities.
 
If your business or organization would like more information on rail safety, contact CATS at 704-336-RIDE.