May 16, 2008

Charlotte, NC -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) a $1.2 million federal grant.  These funds will be used to enhance security and anti-terrorism preparedness and prevention at CATS facilities as well as provide additional security awareness training for employees.

"This grant gives us the opportunity to work with our local incident responders to prepare for transit emergencies," said Jim Dougherty, General Manager of Safety and Security for CATS.  "We will also be able to develop guidebooks for responders and front line staff to use in the field."

Other safety enhancements provided by the grant include:

• Additional lighting at the South Boulevard Light Rail Facility
• Intrusion detection alarms at the South Boulevard Light Rail Facility
• Mobile explosion detection devices to use for random checks or in the case of an incident or event

In 2007 CATS received $1.5 million in federal grants for additional security at the North Davidson and South Tryon Street bus facilities.  This includes upgrading perimeter fencing and security cameras, adding access controlled security gates and training for staff.

To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.