CATS is becoming safer, leaders claim

• Instances of stabbings and assault have taken place over the past year. In 2022, driver Ethan Rivera was shot and killed during a road rage incident.

Yes, but: Interim CEO Brent Cagle, who joined CATS in 2022 amid a chaotic overhaul of the system, tells Axios efforts to improve and prioritize safety over the last year are paying off.

How it works: About six months ago, the Transportation Security Administration reviewed CATS' security plans, training, drills, background checks and other operations.

• CATS scored over 90%, says TSA assistant administrator Sonya Proctor.
• Of the 58 agencies TSA looked at this year, CATS was among the five top scorers.

Between the lines: CATS has doubled its spending on security and hired two contractors — local company PSS and Strategic Security Solutions — to replace Allied Universal Security. They're continuing to staff up to around 100 armed and unarmed officers on board.

• It's also placed "ambassadors" on buses to answer questions and ease confusion, which is expected to keep frustrating situations from escalating.