CTA Enhances Security with Crisis Intervention Teams

New teams focused on crisis intervention and community violence prevention will soon be deployed on the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The agency plans to invest $9.6 million in a pilot program that will last for one year.

These teams will consist of workers trained in de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health support, and first aid techniques like CPR and Narcan administration. The workers will wear branded uniforms. At a recent board meeting, Molly Poppe, CTA’s Chief Innovation Officer, informed members of these upcoming changes.

The CTA’s board of directors approved contracts with several nonprofit organizations to form these teams, which are referred to as “safe ride specialists.” This decision is among the last actions of the current board, which will soon be replaced due to statewide transit funding and reform legislation that requires restructuring of transit system governance. This crisis intervention pilot program is part of ongoing discussions on improving safety and addressing issues such as smoking, homelessness, and mental health crises on the CTA.

With over $1 billion in anticipated new revenue to be available annually, these issues have remained a central concern for transit leaders as they prepare for governance changes. The teams are expected to start working on the rail system in September.

The initiative follows an increase in law enforcement presence after President Donald Trump’s administration threatened to withhold federal funding. Leaders have noted a significant decrease in crime, with serious crimes down by 29% compared to last year. Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen emphasized the positive impact of the agency’s layered security strategy.

The largest contract, worth up to $6.6 million, will go to the Metropolitan Family Services nonprofit. It will fund 20 specialists on the Red Line downtown section between Lake and Roosevelt stations. These violence prevention workers will engage with young commuters, building rapport and serving as a positive presence seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

Other contracts will be awarded to Housing Forward, Street Samaritans, and Healthcare Alternative Systems for work on the Green Line between Harlem and Central avenues, and on the Blue Line’s O’Hare and Forest Park branches. The CTA board also approved additional funding for a program run with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, which assists homeless individuals on the Red and Blue lines and provides shelter beds specifically for those seeking shelter on the CTA.

Despite a decrease in crime, criticisms about safety persist. During a public comment session, Pennie McCoach, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, criticized the CTA’s security measures as insufficient. This follows the recent killing of CTA worker Thomas Kevin Barlow outside a South Side rail maintenance facility.

The current CTA board’s terms expire on September 1, with new members appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, including Lester Barclay, attorney, Michael Eaddy, pastor, and Dee Atkins, who focuses on community engagement at Thresholds. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has appointed Tom Kotarac and Ann Kalayil, while Governor JB Pritzker’s selections are yet to be announced.