On Feb. 27, Chicago’s Regional Transit Authority joined the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace, the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois to work toward collaborative efforts fostering rider and operator safety.
The Public Transit Safety and Security Summit, gathered officials throughout the region to discuss enhancing person security and addressing crime on transit, incorporating transit-specific strategies into social service initiatives and creating a safer, more welcoming environment in transit stations and stops, as transit agencies work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Together with RTA, CTA, Metra, Pace, and suburban municipalities, the City of Chicago is committed to working holistically to improve safety across the region’s public transit system,” City of Chicago Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood said. “We have to be very thoughtful on how we collaborate, not only with our partners in the city, but our partners broadly, so I’m glad we’re having this summit today.”
At the summit, the RTA announced it would be piloting a new grant category focused on safety and security – the Transit Station Activation. Under this category of funding and technical assistance, grants would be made available to cover the costs for rail station and bus stop activation projects and activities designed to bring an increased presence of people to transit stations and stops as a solution to public safety concerns.
The projects are expected to be simple, short-term actions or events occurring for a few hours over the course of several days to bring residents to a station’s area. Projects are expected to cost between $5,000 and $20,000 and can include things like musical performances, pup-up vendors, local artist showcases, community outreach or safe walk programs. Applications for the grants will be accepted through March 22.