CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte public transit officials are exploring artificial intelligence technology to ensure passengers pay to ride the light rail system following the tragic stabbing of Iryna Zarutska in August.

The Charlotte Area Transit System issued more than 2,000 citations for fare evasion in 2024, according to CATS data shared with the Metropolitan Transit Commission.

“Fare evasion has always been a priority,” Cagle said.

Charlotte’s light rail system uses an open design without gates or barriers to keep non-paying customers off platforms and trains. According to a letter CATS sent to the Federal Transit Authority earlier this year, the agency is considering pairing surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence to address the issue.

Under the proposed system, pas

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