New Security Measures Coming to Chicago Area Transit System Next Year
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Northern Illinois may create a regional transit police force as early as January next year, under new legislation signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker last month. This move comes amidst growing concerns about transit crime and safety, with the Trump administration threatening to cut funding if the agency doesn't address these issues.
The RTA is expecting an additional $300 million in funding later this year, which will help implement several new security measures. By July of next year, commuters can expect to have a regional transit app where they can file complaints and report crimes. This app will be part of the "transit ambassador" program, which aims to monitor CTA, Metra, and Pace trains and stations.
The RTA board discussed various options for addressing safety concerns in the meantime, including hiring additional officers. However, the agency's director of government affairs, Rob Nash, noted that they are in a transition period and some governing bodies are still yet to be established.
A new task force will be formed when the legislation takes effect, which must decide by January 2027 whether to recommend creating a sworn officer law enforcement program. If approved, a full-time chief transit safety officer will be appointed to lead an Office of Transit Safety and Experience, which will develop a plan to implement this program.
In addition to these security measures, the RTA is also planning to introduce a new app for commuters to report crimes and file complaints. The agency has set out an updated timeline for implementing these changes, which are expected to take place by June 1st of next year.
Riders will also see a change in Pace's monthly cap for ADA rideshare programs. The RTA is considering raising the cap from 30 to 40 rides per person, after finding that 24% of riders hit this limit last year.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Northern Illinois may create a regional transit police force as early as January next year, under new legislation signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker last month. This move comes amidst growing concerns about transit crime and safety, with the Trump administration threatening to cut funding if the agency doesn't address these issues.
The RTA is expecting an additional $300 million in funding later this year, which will help implement several new security measures. By July of next year, commuters can expect to have a regional transit app where they can file complaints and report crimes. This app will be part of the "transit ambassador" program, which aims to monitor CTA, Metra, and Pace trains and stations.
The RTA board discussed various options for addressing safety concerns in the meantime, including hiring additional officers. However, the agency's director of government affairs, Rob Nash, noted that they are in a transition period and some governing bodies are still yet to be established.
A new task force will be formed when the legislation takes effect, which must decide by January 2027 whether to recommend creating a sworn officer law enforcement program. If approved, a full-time chief transit safety officer will be appointed to lead an Office of Transit Safety and Experience, which will develop a plan to implement this program.
In addition to these security measures, the RTA is also planning to introduce a new app for commuters to report crimes and file complaints. The agency has set out an updated timeline for implementing these changes, which are expected to take place by June 1st of next year.
Riders will also see a change in Pace's monthly cap for ADA rideshare programs. The RTA is considering raising the cap from 30 to 40 rides per person, after finding that 24% of riders hit this limit last year.
so i think this new security measure is about time, right? 
did u know that in 2022 alone, chicago's transit system had over 450 reported crimes? it's a scary thought thinking bout getting on a train and being threatened or harassed lol. anywayz, with the new regional transit police force, i'm hoping we'll see some real change. have u heard of the transit ambassador program? 
btw, have u seen these stats? 
according to a 2022 survey, 75% of chicagoans support increased security measures on public transportation. let's keep it moving and make our commutes safer! 
. Having a transit app where people can report crimes and file complaints is a great idea - it's like having a witness who can provide info to the authorities when they need it ASAP 
. I just hope they get the funding right this time... the Trump administration drama has me worried 
. But it's good that Rob Nash mentioned they're in a transition period, gives them time to sort out their governing bodies and make sure everything is on track 
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I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not. On one hand, it sounds like they're trying to make the system safer and stuff. But on the other hand, it might feel kinda invasive or creepy to have a whole police force just watching us on trains and buses all day 
What do you think? Should we be worried about having more "big brother" tech in our daily lives? 
. The idea of having a transit app to report crimes is genius! 
It'll make it way easier for people to speak up if they witness something suspicious or get harassed on the train 
