Charlotte News: New transit company takes over CATS bus management
Introduction:
After years of complaints about mismanagement, concerns about driver safety, and employee retention, a new company has taken over managing buses for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This past November, the Charlotte City Council approved a three-year contract with National Express Transit to manage the city’s bus system. National Express will talk about the work already underway to improve working conditions and service for riders on Monday afternoon.
Details:
The company officially took over on Friday, but the general manager, Seyi Osiyemi, said the company has already made improvements. During a meeting last week before the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC), Osiyemi told members he and others had already spent weeks riding the buses and talking to operators and riders. The top issues faced include driver safety and deploying new security guards. He also brought up better training and consistent policies for drivers.
On the service side, Osiyemi said right now the busing system is fully staffed, which should improve buses running on time, allow for better accommodations for riders with disabilities, and improve communication. “This is one industry where every decision you make has a direct impact on people,” he said.
National Express already runs bus systems in several cities in the Carolinas, including Greensboro, Durham, and Charleston.
Conclusion:
With the new management in place, Charlotte residents can look forward to improved bus services and better working conditions for drivers. The transition to National Express Transit marks a new chapter for CATS, with a focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction.
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