METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Chicago Transit: Serious crime down 26%

Across the rail system, overall serious personal and property crimes decreased 24% in 2014. Robberies on the rail system decreased 26% in 2014 to 210 and have declined each year since 2011. Robberies on trains fell 23% and 28% at stations and platforms. Thefts decreased across the rail system, with the number of incidents down 31% on trains and down 12% on platforms and at stations.

February 18, 2015
Chicago Transit: Serious crime down 26%

 

2 min to read


Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Forrest Claypool announced that serious crimes on the CTA fell 26% during 2014. Theft and robberies declined 28% in 2014.

“Over the past three and a half years we have developed and implemented an aggressive plan to fight crime and increase safety on the CTA by adding thousands of security cameras and strengthening policing strategies,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We are committed to the safety of every Chicagoan who takes public transportation, we are sending the message that we will not tolerate criminal activity, and we are seeing the results.”

Ad Loading...

Mayor Emanuel, the CTA and the Chicago Police Department have developed a number of strategies to tackle crime on CTA buses, trains and stations. Those include expanding the CTA’s network of security cameras to more than 23,000 cameras, including multiple cameras on every CTA train and bus, as well as at every CTA rail station. The city has also expanded police patrols, rail saturation missions and increased undercover operations.

Images from CTA security cameras aided police in identifying suspects and arresting at least 235 individuals for crimes committed on or near CTA properties, a 12% increase from 2013. The success of these efforts also serves as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.

Last year’s systemwide statistics show:

  • 2014 saw the fewest serious crimes in the past four years.

  • Robberies – down 34%.

Ad Loading...
  • Thefts – down 26%.

  • Serious crimes – down 26%.

Across the rail system, overall serious personal and property crimes decreased 24% in 2014.

Robberies on the rail system decreased 26% in 2014 to 210 and have declined each year since 2011. Robberies on trains fell 23% and 28% at stations and platforms. Thefts decreased across the rail system, with the number of incidents down 31% on trains and down 12% on platforms and at stations.

On buses, overall incidents of serious crimes dropped 30% in 2014. Robbery and theft decreased 48% and 29%, respectively, and are also at their lowest rates in the past four years.

More Security and Safety

transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Photo of disaster in neighborhood near a highway
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DART light rail and transit bus.
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 29, 2026

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Strengthens Safety with Expanded Security Presence

The approved contract modification will increase funding for transit security officer services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $32.1 million, ensuring a continued and visible security presence across DART’s buses, trains, stations, and facilities.

Read More →
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SEPTA Transit Police officers
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 21, 2026

Report: Crime on Philadelphia's SEPTA Continues to Drop

According to the new quarterly data, there were double-digit reductions in five of the eight serious crime categories, including aggravated assaults and robberies.

Read More →
A product grouping image of the AngelTrax Vulcan Series VX4AI All-in-One MDVR and V1284HC MDVR
Technologyby StaffApril 8, 2026

AngelTrax, City of Freeport Partnership to Enhance Fleet Safety

The project, finalized on February 12, provides the city with two different configurations of high-definition cameras to outfit 16 buses in the Pretzel City Area Transit fleet.

Read More →
Two ABQ RIDE buses
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 1, 2026

ABQ RIDE Launches ‘Drive Safe, Ride Safe’ Campaign to Strengthen Internal Safety Culture

The 12-month initiative focuses on staff engagement, training, and reducing preventable incidents.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
PSTA, City of Dunedin, and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna during a check ceremony for restoration of the Dunedin Pier
Security and Safetyby StaffMarch 31, 2026

PSTA, City Officials Receive Money to Repair Hurricane Ravaged Pier

The funds will specifically reconstruct the portion of the pier used by PSTA’s Clearwater Ferry, creating a permanent dock for the ferry service, which serves as an important transportation and tourism link to other Pinellas County communities.

Read More →