Program will Upgrade 3,800 System Cameras to High-Definition and Add 1,000 New Cameras; $33 million of Improvements to be Funded by Innovative Ride-Hailing Fee
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. today announced the new Safe and Secure program, a multi-faceted effort to increase safety across the CTA system and provide a more secure, comfortable traveling experience.
“In Chicago we are investing in a world-class public transportation system that provides a comfortable, safe and secure experience for transit riders,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Chicago is the first city in the nation to create a ride-hailing fee dedicated to transit, making it possible to continue to invest in the latest technology and improvements that enhance commuting and improve the quality of life in our city.”
Beginning later this year CTA will add 1,000 new cameras and upgrade more than 3,800 older-model cameras throughout the system. Additionally, new lighting, repairs and other improvements will enhance safety at all 146 CTA rail stations. New cameras will also be installed at more than 100 CTA bus turnaround locations and video monitors will be added to all CTA rail stations to aid personnel in monitoring station and customer activity.
“Ensuring every CTA customer and employee is safe on our transit system is a top priority for me,” said CTA President Carter. “I thank the Mayor and City Council for their support of transit and for recognizing the vital role it plays in Chicago. The Safe and Secure initiative allows us to build on the success of our past efforts and further improve the commuting experience for our customers.”
CTA’s security camera network has doubled in size since 2011. The cameras, found at every rail station and on every bus and train, have been an important tool to help Chicago Police identify crime suspects and detect crime patterns. All of CTA’s buses and trains have multiple cameras. The newest buses have 10-14 cameras per vehicle depending on size.
Additionally, CTA has worked closely with the Chicago Police Department’s Public Transportation Unit to strengthen and deploy strategies to fight crime that include expanded police patrols, rail saturation missions and undercover operations. Since June 2011, CTA cameras have aided Police in the investigation, arrest and charging of more than 1,300 individuals.
"CTA has been a valuable partner to CPD in making our public transportation system a safe option for Chicagoans and visitors to the city," Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said. "The high definition cameras made possible by the Safe and Secure program will further strengthen CPD's use of technology to make CTA stations, busses, and trains even more secure."
CTA’s Safe and Secure is funded by a new, innovative fee on ride-hailing services championed by Mayor Emanuel, the first such fee in the country dedicated to public transportation improvements.
For more information on CTA security efforts, visit transitchicago.com/security.
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