Charlotte’s $3.4M Transit Campaign Draws Criticism After Stabbings

The Charlotte City Council has approved a $3.4 million marketing campaign for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), despite recent stabbings on the light-rail system, which has drawn criticism from local GOP Chair Kyle Kirby, who deems it a “cover-up” for safety concerns. The contract, awarded to a Texas firm, coincides with two stabbings in recent months, including the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska and an incident involving Kenyon Dobie. Kirby argues that funds should be redirected to enhance public safety rather than public relations. The community’s fear of crime has reportedly led to reduced ridership on the light rail.

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