CTA strategically deploys security guards

Chicago Transit Authority trains

CTA

Crime and annoying behavior aboard public transportation systems have received attention in the press recently.

While public transit agencies deal with COVID-19 protocols, budgets, ridership declines and worker shortages, the challenges agencies face aboard buses and trains, including loud music, smoking, illegal drug use, panhandling, and general annoyance of passengers by those who are inconsiderate and don’t respect riders’ privacy or personal space have made the task of running a transit agency more and more challenging.

The press statement below was released by the Chicago Transit Authority earlier this month, and the challenges to this agency are representative of those found on other systems.

“The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is strategically deploying its contracted security guards as part of the agency’s ongoing, dynamic efforts to provide the most comfortable, safest commuting experience for customers.

“To help address potential safety concerns and a recent uptick in people violating CTA’s Code of Conduct, security guards will have a more visible presence on the system during key hours of operation.

“Since earlier this week, CTA security guards have been assigned to teams responsible for patrolling targeted locations during key hours of operation. This includes teams deployed to travel both the Red and Blue line trains during the day and overnight hours. The Red and Blue Lines are CTA’s two busiest rail lines, operating 24 hours a day.

“Security guards are a visible presence that can be a deterrent to improper behaviors on trains and buses, and in stations, CTA officials said. Guards will focus on a wide variety of customer engagements, including enforcing CTA’s Rules of Conduct, which prohibits activity such as smoking, taking up more than one seat, playing loud music, among other behaviors.

“For more than two decades, security guards have been a key component of a larger, comprehensive strategy to provide a comfortable riding environment for customers. The CTA continues to work very closely with Chicago Police Department (CPD), which provides law enforcement for the CTA. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers are also deployed across the CTA system, all hours of the day. 

“Additionally, CTA is working to expand its partnership with social service agencies and the City’s Department of Family and Support Services, which handles response to issues of homelessness and conducts outreach offering a variety of support and services.

“CTA has used unarmed security guards for more than two decades, as a complement to the Chicago Police Department, which provides law enforcement for the CTA.

“More information on CTA’s comprehensive efforts to promote safety and security is here: www.transitchicago.com/safety/.”