From Friday, Oct. 30, 60 CATS fare ambassadors in blue shirts and yellow hats will ask Blue Line riders for proof of fare. What they do and the $50 citation.

Riders on the Lynx Blue Line will start seeing a new team on trains and platforms this week. Beginning Friday, Oct. 30, 60 fare ambassadors will check that riders have paid, the Charlotte Area Transit System said.

The ambassadors will wear blue shirts and yellow hats. They may ask to see proof of a valid fare on platforms and on light rail vehicles, according to CATS’ announcement of the program.

The program starts on the Blue Line only. CATS said it will expand in phases to buses and the Gold Line, with timing to be announced.

What the ambassadors will do

CATS said the ambassadors will:

  • check for valid fares on Blue Line trains and platforms
  • explain fare rules and “next steps” when they stop a rider
  • help with paying, transfers and fare capping
  • help riders use the CATS-Pass app
  • give directions and general help

“This program is about ensuring fare validation, but it’s also about meeting customers where they are, answering questions, providing guidance and making it easier for everyone to understand their payment options as we continue to enforce fares across the system,” Interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle said.

CATS hired Block by Block to run the program. The company already provides safety, hospitality and outreach ambassadors in Center City under a contract with Charlotte Center City Partners, CATS said.

What happens if you have not paid

The announcement does not say whether the ambassadors themselves can write citations, or what the “next steps” are for a rider without a fare.

The rules already on the books are on CATS’ fares and passes page. The Blue Line runs on proof of payment, so you need a ticket or pass with a valid date and time before you board. Fare inspectors and police officers check fares on the line. Riding without a valid ticket or pass “could result in a citation of $50,” the page says, and can also bring a Class 3 misdemeanor charge.

What it costs to ride

These are CATS’ current local bus and light rail fares, from the same page.

Fare Adult Seniors 62+, Medicare, ADA and K-12
One way $2.20 $1.10
Day pass $6.60 $6.60
Weekly pass $30.80 $30.80
Monthly pass $88 $44 (K-12: $88)

Children 5 and under ride free with an adult.

What it means for you

  • Buy before you board. On the Blue Line, have a ticket or pass with a valid date and time from Friday on.
  • Keep it handy. An ambassador may ask to see it on the platform or on the train.
  • Use them for help, too. If you are unsure which fare to buy, how fare capping works or how to transfer, CATS says the ambassadors can answer.
  • Look for the uniform: blue shirt, yellow hat.
  • Bus and Gold Line riders are not part of the first phase. CATS has not given a date for those.
  • Questions: CATS customer service is at 704-336-7433.

Single-tracking is also coming to the Blue Line in South End next month. See which platform to use from Nov. 2 to 15.