The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is set to introduce crisis intervention and community violence prevention teams on sections of its Red, Blue, and Green rail lines. The CTA plans to invest $9.6 million in a one-year pilot program for these teams.
The teams will consist of workers trained in de-escalation, crisis management, mental health support, CPR, and Narcan administration, according to Molly Poppe, the CTA’s Chief Innovation Officer. They will wear identifiable uniforms.
During the CTA board’s recent meeting, contracts were approved with several nonprofits to form these ‘safe ride specialists’ teams. This move is among the final decisions of the current CTA board before a reformation mandated by statewide transit funding and reform legislation.
The focus on crisis intervention arises amid discussions on handling crime and quality-of-life issues on the CTA, such as smoking, the needs of unhoused individuals, and mental health crises. These discussions remain central as the region transitions to a new transit governance system with over $1 billion in expected new funding available annually.
The specialist teams are expected to begin their work in September. The initiative follows a significant increase in law enforcement presence on the CTA due to pressure from the previous federal administration. Enhanced law enforcement has been credited with a 29% drop in significant crimes on the inner-city CTA, as per Chicago police data.
Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen highlighted the agency’s layered security strategy, mentioning the success in reducing crime and adding new resources.
The largest contract under the new program goes to Metropolitan Family Services, which will receive $6.6 million to deploy 20 community violence intervention specialists on the downtown Red Line between Lake and Roosevelt stations. These specialists will actively engage with younger riders and build a positive presence, according to Joe Bird, CTA’s chief security officer.
Other contracts involve partnerships with Housing Forward, Street Samaritans, and Healthcare Alternative Systems to support homeless individuals, mental health, and substance use. These groups will operate on the Green Line between Harlem and Central avenues and sections of the Blue Line.
Additionally, the CTA board approved extra funds for an existing program with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services. This program, aimed at aiding unhoused individuals seeking shelter on the CTA, will continue through 2027, with a projected cost of $4.2 million annually.
Despite an overall decrease in crime reported by police, safety concerns persist. During a public comment session, Pennie McCoach, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, criticized the CTA’s security measures as insufficient, referencing the recent murder of CTA worker Thomas Kevin Barlow.
The CTA board meeting marked its last regular session under current terms, ending before September 1. Some board members, including Chairman Lester Barclay and Michael Eaddy, will transition to the new board appointed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Dee Atkins, from Thresholds, will also join. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle appointed Tom Kotarac and Ann Kalayil. Governor JB Pritzker has yet to announce his appointees.
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