Public safety on Illinois mass transit is highlighted during Senate hearing

(The Center Square) – In a series of hearings on Illinois mass transit, public safety was in the spotlight Wednesday.

The Senate Transportation Committee is holding hearings around the state to focus on several aspects of mass transit, with the latest hearing dealing with the state of transit and its accessibility and equitability.

At the public hearings, mass transit users are encouraged to speak up about accessibility, safety and cost. State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort, said safety is at the top of the list for many riders.

“Safety is a concern,” said Hastings. “You see a news story about a subway station, someone getting beat up, someone getting killed, someone getting pushed onto a track, what are we doing to address safety, because accessibility directly relates to safety.”

Chicago Transit Authority president Dorval Carter Jr. said conditions have been improving.

“The truth of the matter is that crime is down on the CTA,” said Carter. “I think it’s also important to remember is that we’re carrying a million people a day. In that, you are going to find issues that are unacceptable.”

Earlier this year, Keith Hill, president of Amalgamated Transit Union 241, which represents Chicago Transit Authority bus drivers, expressed support for bringing in Illinois National Guard members to bolster security and carry out bag checks on trains and buses.

Carter said the CTA continues to be vigilant about crime.

“There is an increased security presence that we have added to the system to supply more eyes and ears to support it, and obviously working with the Chicago Police Department themselves about having greater visibility from the police on our system,” said Carter.

Two other meetings will be held in August in northern Illinois. A final hearing will be held later this year in Springfield.