Concerns over bus safety and communication protocols took center stage at the City Council Committee Wrap-Up Meeting on September 2, 2025, following a tragic incident involving a passenger. Council members discussed the need for improved systems to ensure bus drivers can quickly report potential threats or disturbances.

The meeting highlighted a recent event where a passenger, reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis, boarded a bus without paying and later caused a fatal incident. Council member Cagle raised critical questions about the existing communication tools available to drivers, suggesting that a more direct method—such as a button or walkie-talkie—should be implemented to alert transit authorities of potential issues in real-time.

Interim Director Kegel responded, stating that drivers already have multiple means to contact the bus operations control center and security dispatch. However, it was revealed that these mechanisms were not utilized during the incident in question, raising concerns about training and response protocols for drivers.

Cagle emphasized the importance of tracking fare evasion and ensuring that drivers can communicate their concerns without needing to use their phones while driving. He advocated for the integration of modern technology, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance safety measures on public transit.

The discussion underscored the challenges of maintaining safety on public transportation, particularly in situations where passengers may not exhibit overt signs of distress. While Kegel assured that protocols exist for handling disturbances, the council members expressed a desire for a more proactive approach to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the meeting concluded, the council recognized the need for ongoing evaluation of transit safety measures and the potential for new technologies to improve communication and response times, ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers on Charlotte's public transit system.