🚌 A LOT of CTA riders don’t pay

More Changes at CTA

The big news last spring was the CTA’s impending “fiscal cliff.” One of my first articles for City Cast covered CTA, Metra, and Pace’s collective $771 million budget shortfall. It took till fall, but state lawmakers eventually passed a $1.5 billion package to save Illinois transit.

However, CTA continues to spiral through changes — all without an official president and under pressure from the federal government.

Increased prosecution: A newly formed Regional Transit Task Force aims to reduce crime on buses and trains by prosecuting more misdemeanor crimes and detaining more repeat offenders. The task force includes representatives from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Cook County State’s Attorney's office, in addition to Chicagoland transit agencies. Released suspects could also be barred from certain bus and train lines.

• Misdemeanors may include smoking on the train.
• Ongoing pressure: The move comes as the Federal Transit Administration continues to threaten CTA’s federal funds over security.
• Recent security measures: In March, CTA increased hours for cops on public transit; added sheriff’s deputies on trains; and said it would test high-barrier entry grates.

A last-minute leadership push: Before a new state law limits the mayor’s control over the process, Mayor Brandon Johnson is imploring CTA board members to select a permanent president soon. It’s unclear whether they’ll listen. The CTA has been led by interim president Nora Leerhsen since the retirement of Dorval Carter over a year ago, though Johnson has not endorsed her.

• Who holds power? As part of that $1.5 billion bailout, CTA, Metra, and Pace have a new overseeing body: Northern Illinois Transit Authority. Starting June 1, it’s up to NITA to choose a CTA president.
• A larger agenda: Here’s what else the NITA board is talking about.
• The first woman in charge: Leerhsen’s year in review.

Millions more riders: All this news comes as CTA ridership is suddenly reevaluated. Thanks to new fareboxes and a new counting methodology, CTA now estimates 2025 saw 19 million more rides than previously thought. The new methodology utilizes infrared centers near bus doors to include non-paying passengers in the count.

• Tips to attract more riders: CTA riders speak up.

Summer Fest Security Cost Rises

As Memorial Day weekend kicks off Chicago’s summer festival season, organizers are finding that increased protections at events and the rise of security bills are costing them. The city is preparing with additional police resources. [Sun-Times]

The Best City Cast City for Summer Fun

In today’s special podcast episode, all 12 City Cast hosts, including Chicago’s own Jacoby Cochran, debate — hotly — which city is best for a weekend summer trip. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Jacoby beat out competitors from DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Ahhh: Remember when we took a hot tub boat ride? [City Cast Chicago 💻]

Faith Leaders Can Now Access Broadview ICE Facility

A group of religious leaders has reached an agreement with the feds to allow visits inside. A judge ruled in April that ICE’s denial of clergy visitation violated the law. [WTTW]

Library Books Stuck on Hold Due to Driver Shortage

Books on hold at the Chicago Public Library may be listed as “in transit.” But that’s not always the case. A “temporary reduction in driver availability” has led to a system-wide delivery delay. Just three drivers are working currently, down from nine. [Block Club]

Why Are Helicopters Flying Over Your House?

Chicago is, apparently, home to lots of helicopter activity. Between local police, federal operations, private flyers, and traffic choppers, Curious City looks at who may be flying directly above your house. [WBEZ]