Chicago Transit Authority sets new ridership record and plans to up bus security

With record high ridership on the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) buses and trains in 2015, the CTA is announcing increased security plansfor more cameras on buses. 

Ridership increases
More than 515 million rides last year made it the eighth straight year in CTA history that the agency’s bus and rail system provided more than 500 million rides during the year. Of that, CTA trains accounted for more than 241 million, a recorded level for rail ridership. Part of that increase was the O’Hare branch of the Blue Line, which rose 5.3% in ridership. 

“The historic levels of CTA train ridership demonstrate the success that our investment in transit is paying dividends for riders,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Rail transportation is an increasingly attractive option for customers because we’re committed to operating a world-class transit system that efficiently links residents to professional and educational opportunities, while creating local jobs that sustain our local economy.” 

“We continue to see record demand for safe, reliable and affordable transit in Chicago, at the same time the CTA continues to execute Mayor Emanuel’s historic transit investment to modernize the CTA and enhance service for customers,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “I’m pleased that these accomplishments have been made as we’ve continued to keep fares low and maintain financial stability at CTA.” 

New investment
A new $1.04 million contract with Apollo Video Technology, signed on Feb. 10, will put two new cameras and an upgrade to existing technology to 370 40-foot and 100 60-foot New Flyer buses, according to Catherine Hosinski, CTA spokesperson. There are already about 23,000 cameras throughout the CTA system and each bus has between 7 and 12. 

Technology upgrades will include higher quality images and more storage, allowing for longer recordings. 

With the cameras focused on the farebox, one will be positioned over the driver's head, while the other will give greater surveillance to the rest of the area. Installation will begin by late first quarter and completed during the third quarter. 

The contract has an option for adding cameras and upgrades to 670 additional buses after completion of the 470. Those increased security plans will be determined by available funding. Newer buses already have camera coverage around the driver. Funding for this first round of upgrades is from DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and RTA (Regional Transportation Authority).

Since June 2011 when cameras began being installed in buses, CTA’s cameras have aided police in the investigation, arrest and charging of at least 926 individuals, in connection with at least 843 cases where a crime was committed on or near CTA properties. Included in those numbers are the 2015 stats for 256 individuals in at least 253 cases. 

CTA 2015 accomplishments
According to the CTA, their 2015 accomplishments include:

• Introducing the Ventra App, the first multi-transit system app in the U.S. that allows fare purchases for CTA, Metra and Pace
• Launching Loop Link service to improve bus service and traffic flow in the Loop
• Reinstating express bus service on Ashland and Western avenues, two of CTA’s busiest bus routes
• Adding full 4G wireless service to CTA’s entire subway system on the Red and Blue lines
• Continuation of CTA’s ongoing replacement and overhaul of nearly all of CTA’s bus and rail fleets to provide CTA with the youngest fleet in a generation
• Adding more CTA Bus and Train Tracker display stations Unprecedented rail investment/modernization in last five years. Nearly one-third of improved rail stations
• More than 700 new rail cars added to CTA’s rail fleet