Charlotte’s Transportation Center goes smoke-free

By Lovemore Masakadza

For thousands of local bus commuters who had to endure clouds of secondhand smoke at the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC), August 18, 2009 heralded a new era at the center, as “No Smoking” signs were posted. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) now bans smoking at all areas of the center, except for designated outdoor areas.

CATS Transit Support Services Director John Trunk said litter from cigarette butts had been an issue at the center. “By implementing assigned smoking areas, we are improving the cleanliness of the CTC for our customers and employees,” said Trunk. Violators of the new law will be subject to a $50 fine. Zeesther Singletery, a regular bus rider who smokes, is not going to be one of the violators, as she understands that secondhand smoke is a health hazard. “It’s part of the new trend,” said Singletery. “It’s not many places you can smoke at anyway. I am for respecting everybody. If smoking bothers others, I don’t smoke around them. I don’t even smoke when I am around my four children. I know smoking is not good, but it’s just hard to kick.”

The new regulation was approved by the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) voting members of which include the Mayors of Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville, the Chairman of the Board of Mecklenburg County Commissioners and the regional representative from the North Carolina Board of Transportation. Apart from the litter problems, County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts said that the “County government has seen an impact on the effects of smoking from a health standpoint.” This regulation extends beyond the CTC and also prohibits smoking in bus stop shelters where the sides are 50% (or more) enclosed. According to CATS, passengers were surveyed in November and December 2008 on whether smoking should be allowed at LYNX stations; 86% of respondents said “No.”