Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is announcing more than $120,000 in funding for eight Transit Station Activation projects that improve public safety and a sense of community near CTA, Metra, and Pace stations and stops.

Eight Transit Station Activation projects were selected from a group of nearly 20 applicants submitted in the 2024 Community Planning Call for Projects. Selected projects will bring activities near transit, create a welcoming environment, and help address real or perceived public safety issues.

Each project will receive between $10,000 and $20,000 in funding to plan and host public events that will take place this summer and fall.

The RTA’s Transit Station Activation Program

The Transit Station Activation grant program was launched following the RTA Public Transit Safety and Security Summit in February 2024.

The Summit brought together nearly 80 riders, transit professionals, and stakeholders to explore holistic solutions to the safety issues the transit system is facing.

The RTA recently published a report featuring priority recommendations that emerged from conversations at the event. Recommendations include regular reporting on transit crime, creating new non-police units to respond to mental health crises, expanding social services partnerships, and continuing to invest in infrastructure upgrades at transit stations and stops.

“All riders and frontline workers deserve to feel safe on transit,” said Leanne Redden, RTA Executive Director. “We are excited to announce the projects selected for Transit Station Activations and see these projects come to life, helping make our region’s transit stations and stops feel safer and centering them as hubs in their communities.”

Project Awards

Project awards are contingent based on pending grant agreements between RTA and selected applicants, including their ability to secure any necessary approvals and permits. Final details about the successful implementation of the activations will be shared closer to their event dates.

Selected projects are short-term, the majority one-day events, occurring this summer and fall.

The projects selected for Transit Station Activations are a direct implementation of Transit is the Answer, the regional transit strategic plan approved by the RTA Board of Directors in 2023. The first action of the plan is to “Make the transit system safety and more secure for everyone.”

RTA staff will partner with successful grantees to survey attendees and transit riders at the activations to learn more about their experiences and assist in evaluating this pilot program.