CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new video has surfaced following a fight between a CATS bus driver and a passenger. The bus driver involved is now out of a job and facing assault charges following the ordeal.
It is part of a string of acts of violence that WCNC Charlotte has reported on about public transportation and CATS facilities.
The video shows the bus driver hit the passenger several times. It’s an action Charlotte transit riders say is unacceptable.
“No, you don’t do anything like that, that is inappropriate,” Sir Ronald McCaskill, a rider taken aback watching the video, said. “Some drivers are just nasty."
The incident happened early in the afternoon on Feb. 4. CATS released surveillance video from the bus, rail line deck and the transportation center.
The first interaction captured shows Wilbert Little asking the driver when the bus was leaving.
The driver’s response, “when I get on it,” is which leads to a heated exchange. Little said he went to find a manager and then the video shows him walking back to the bus.
The driver then shuts the door and refuses to let him on. It’s unclear what is said between the two but then the driver jumps out of his seat, screaming profanities and attempts to get Little off the bus. However, he is held back by other employees and people nearby.
Little told WCNC Charlotte he then made his way to the upper-level platform to catch the train and not far behind was the bus driver who eventually caught up to him and hit him not once but twice.
Little said he no longer feels safe taking the bus.
Transit Management of Charlotte has informed CATS that the employee in question has been terminated.
According to CMPD, he was also arrested for simple assault and communicating threats.
Some riders say they would like to see drivers have more training.
McCaskill said he feels for the bus drivers who have a tough job but also for the passengers.
“Some of these people are vulnerable, they are going to talk crazy, but you have to look over that,” he continued. “If you see something wrong ... get a supervisor.”
CATS said bus drivers do get de-escalation training and there’s security at the CTC center and on some of the routes. The agency said it is committed to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to resolve this issue promptly and fairly. It is focused on the safety and security of all parties involved.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.