CTA installs security cameras at 24 Green Line stations
Written by jrood
Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Transit Authority President Richard L. Rodriguez announced a significant development in the agency's ongoing effort to enhance safety and security on its rail and bus system. With the installation of cameras at 24 Green Line stations, the CTA's rail system now has 1,657 cameras at 73 rail stations.
The CTA has received $22.6
million in Department of Homeland Security funds to enhance its security and
surveillance network and is using it to expand camera coverage on its rail
system. At least one high-definition camera will be installed at every rail
station by this summer and additional cameras will be installed across the rail
system beginning with the Brown and Red lines later this year. The Green Line
initiative cost approximately $4 million and the expansion plans are budgeted
at $9 million. The remainder of the funds will be used to further enhance the
CTA’s security network. All the projects will be paid for by a combination of
DHS, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Regional Transportation Authority
funds.
CTA also is launching a pilot
program to explore the feasibility of retrofitting CTA’s current rail cars with
cameras. The pilot will help identify costs and the most efficient design and
technology upgrades needed in order to operate the cameras. This pilot, funded
by $800,000 in FTA grants, is expected to begin this spring. New rail cars
already on order will come equipped with cameras.
Security on CTA buses and
trains is provided by the Chicago Police Department Public Transportation
Section. Officers from the unit include both uniformed and plainclothes
officers who ride the trains and buses and patrol stations. CTA works closely
with CPD to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals who commit crimes on
CTA property.
While security cameras are
a useful tool, CTA also reminds customers they can assist by reporting any
suspicious activity they witness. Reporting instances of crime or suspicious
activity across the system helps CTA and CPD determine how best to deploy
resources.
