Chicago Steps Up Transit Security Amid Federal Funding Pressure

Chicago is taking action to beef up security on its public transit system.

This move comes after the federal government threatened to cut $50 million in funding if crime rates don't drop. The city has increased the number of police officers and K-9 units on trains and buses.

Federal Government Demands Clear Plan

The federal government wants to see a clear plan to reduce crime. They are not happy with the current plan submitted by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA was told to set specific targets for reducing crime each month. The federal government wants to see immediate results.

Recent Incident Raises Concerns

A recent incident involving a woman being set on fire on a train has raised concerns. The suspect in this case faces serious charges. The federal government is pushing for a stronger response to such incidents.

CTA's Response and Deadline

The CTA has 90 days to meet the federal government's demands. If they don't, they could lose a significant amount of funding. The CTA has already allocated $5 million for increased security. They believe that more police presence will help make riders feel safer.

Crime Rates and Investment

Despite the increase in security, crime rates have actually decreased slightly compared to last year. The state has also approved a $1.5 billion investment in public transit, which includes safety initiatives.