The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is deploying new crisis intervention teams on the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines. A budget of $9.6 million funds this one-year pilot program. These teams consist of individuals trained in de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health, and first aid skills such as CPR and Narcan administration, as stated by CTA’s Chief Innovation Officer Molly Poppe.
Board members approved contracts with several nonprofit organizations to staff these teams, called “safe ride specialists.” The decision was made during the CTA’s monthly board meeting. The current board will soon be replaced under new statewide transit funding and reform legislation.
The pilot program addresses crime and quality-of-life concerns, like smoking, and aids individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises who seek refuge on transit systems. These issues were central to recent transit reform discussions. New governance promises over $1 billion in additional annual revenue for transit systems.
The teams begin operations in September. This follows an increase in law enforcement presence after the Trump administration threatened to cut millions in federal funding unless crime rates improved. Subsequent data showed a 29% decrease in serious crimes, according to Chicago police data.
Nora Leerhsen, Acting CTA President, highlighted the success of their security strategies. She noted the addition of multiple security layers, including the new specialist teams.
The largest contract, worth up to $6.6 million, is with Metropolitan Family Services. Twenty community violence intervention specialists will work on the downtown Red Line between Lake and Roosevelt stations, engaging youth and maintaining a trusted presence.
Other contracts fund homelessness organizations Housing Forward and Street Samaritans, plus mental health group Healthcare Alternative Systems, staffing the Green Line and Blue Line branches. Another initiative with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, costing up to $4.2 million annually, assists unhoused individuals and provides shelter beds specifically for those seeking refuge on the CTA.
Despite a decrease in crime statistics, safety concerns persist. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308 President Pennie McCoach criticized current security measures as inadequate, especially after the fatal shooting of CTA worker Thomas Kevin Barlow.
Upcoming changes to the CTA board will include new appointees, following terms ending on September 1. Some current members, such as Lester Barclay and Michael Eaddy, remain, while new members like Dee Atkins, Tom Kotarac, and Ann Kalayil will join. Governor JB Pritzker has yet to announce two additional board appointees.