Westridge Resident Advocates for Transit Improvements and Safety Measures at CTA Meeting

A Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rider voiced urgent concerns during the August 13, 2025, board meeting, highlighting significant delays and safety issues on public transit. The rider, a Westridge resident, reported that their commute from the Loop to home has nearly doubled due to construction at the Western Brown Line Station, adding 45 minutes to their travel time. They urged the board to restore more regular service on the 49B bus route, suggesting that extending some routes could alleviate the problem.

The rider also raised alarming safety concerns, recounting experiences of smoking on trains and aggressive behavior from other passengers, which have deterred some individuals, particularly women, from using the train system. They called for actionable measures from the CTA to address these issues without solely relying on police intervention.

In response, CTA officials acknowledged the rider's concerns and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve safety and service. Acting President Nora Lierz highlighted recent community engagement initiatives, including the successful CTA Chats program, which gathered feedback from nearly 2,000 riders. She also noted the deployment of additional security resources in collaboration with the Chicago Police Department to enhance safety on the transit system.

The meeting also touched on the CTA's financial challenges, with a looming $771 million fiscal cliff by 2025. Board members discussed the importance of addressing this funding gap and the potential impact on service levels. Lierz assured attendees that the CTA is actively working on contingency plans to mitigate the effects of any funding shortfalls.

As the CTA continues to navigate these pressing issues, the board's commitment to improving rider experience and safety remains a top priority, with further discussions planned to engage the community and stakeholders in shaping future policies.