CTA Doubles Security Guards, Adds Police Patrol On Trains, Busses

CHICAGO — Rising crime on the CTA has prompted city officials to double the number of unarmed security guards and boost police presence on trains and busses on a transit system have seen a significant decline in ridership, officials said Wednesday.

Top cop David Brown has tapped the department's counterterrorism bureau to partner with the CTA to address crime patters on the Red and Blue CTA train lines, and focus on gang and narcotics crimes while patrolling the transit system.

CTA president Dorval Carter announced plans to double the number of unarmed security guards patrolling the transit system. The CTA board on Monday approved two contracts set to boost the presence of security guards.

"You'll see them 24/7, seven days a week," Carter said. "They're not going to be out tomorrow because we still have to sign the contract, but certainly in the next couple, weeks we'll start to see the additional resources deployed."

The unarmed guards will not be able to make arrests. They will be trained in conflict resolution and be assigned to enforce CTA rules and call police in situations when an officer is needed.

"Though we are proud to have one of the best transit systems in the country, that reputation and everything we're doing to keep it will mean nothing if CTA customers don't feel safe taking public transportation," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

"Violence on our transit system must end, as people shouldn't have to fear for their lives when they're commuting around our city. This partnership between CTA and [the police department] will help to protect them and contribute greatly to our citywide mission to create a safer Chicago."