Smoking has long been a problem on Chicago public transit, but city leaders are cracking down on the issue once and for all.
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed the “Safe And Smoke-Free Public Transit” executive order on Tuesday, in an effort to address smoking across all Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) lines.
A cross-collaborative effort
The executive order directs city departments and sister agencies to take action against smoking on CTA trains and increase public safety.
The cross-collaborative effort will involve the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and other city sectors.
The order coincides with the CTA’s post-pandemic rebound, with ridership increasing year-over-year since the global health crisis. As Chicagoans return to the office and utilize public transit, the safety of riders is a top priority for the city.
Making the CTA safe for all
“Smoking on our public transit system has got to stop, and I am directing our City’s agencies and the Mayor’s Office to work together to put an end to this activity,” said Mayor Johnson in a statement.
“Our public transit system is for all Chicagoans…This executive order calls for the same full-force-of-government approach that has resulted in historic reductions in crime to tackle this critical issue.”