Passengers react to added security at public transportation stops

CHARLOTTE — After Friday’s big presser on transit safety and security, Channel 9’s Glenn Counts went to see if there was a noticeable difference today.

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At the transit center, there was an off-duty officer making the rounds, as well as plenty of private security.

“The quality of the busses was great,” said Raymond Tussing, a passenger. “We felt very safe and we really enjoyed our experience.”

Tussing and Ellen Langlogas are visiting from Greensboro and told Channel 9 they didn’t really think about security.

“I didn’t notice anything,” said Langlogas. “But I also didn’t feel unsafe either. It seemed secure.”

At the East Boulevard station light rail station, Counts saw bike officers. Mickey Stephens and Dylan Coe said they have noticed a difference.

“Last night we walked the light rail and today we walked the rail trail and we’ve constantly seen the cops,” Stephens said.

“When you see that, how does that make you feel? Better, better. I’ve always felt fine, but there is people who definitely security,” Coe said. “Especially with all the crazy events going on in the world today.”

Emily Adams and Ray Olivo have noticed the added security, but they haven’t been on the light rail since Iryna Zarutska was murdered and don’t know when that will change.

“You’re kinda like, wait and see mode? Yeah, wait and see. Still even in the future, say I was with a group of me and some girlfriends, I probably wouldn’t do it,” Adams said. “I’d feel safe if he was there or a big group, but alone by myself, I wouldn’t. At night, never. It’s just going to take a minute.”

At Friday’s press conference, officials talked about adding bikes and UTVs to improve officer visibility, and providing money to pay CMPD officers to take off-duty shifts to watch the light rail.

We discovered there are questions as to how many officers are signing up, and whether it’s enough to get the job done.

WATCH: New vehicles and expanded security to enhance safety on Charlotte light rail