Customer safety and security is always the #1 priority for the CTA.
Below is essential information for traveling safely on CTA’s bus and rail systems and what to do in the event of an emergency:
If you see something, say something.
As a customer, the CTA asks you to be a vigilant rider: If you see something, say something. If you observe an unattended package, witness anything unusual or see someone acting suspiciously, alert a CTA employee or call 911 immediately.
Campaigns
As the nation’s second largest transit system, we continually look for new ways to educate and inform riders to ensure that everyone has a safe, comfortable travel experience on buses and trains.
If It’s Unwanted, It’s Harassment.
We’re putting would-be offenders on alert that harassment is not tolerated on the CTA. Everyone deserves the right to a safe and comfortable travel environment and experience.
Building on a previous public service campaign, we’ve expanded and updated our Anti-Harassment Awareness campaign. It’s important for everyone riding one of our buses or trains to know that we take harassment seriously – one incident is one too many. (Learn more about this campaign)
It's Not Worth Your Life. Stay off the tracks.
Our most recent safety awareness campaign, "It’s Not Worth Your Life. Stay off the tracks." reminds ‘L’ riders about the dangers of trespassing on CTA railroad tracks.
Here are some of the key tips:
- Stay off CTA tracks: There are moving trains as fast as 55 m.p.h. (and approach more quickly than you may realize) and 600-volt electrified rails.
- Stand well clear of the platform edge (and blue platform edging) until your train has come to a complete stop in the station.
- The platform is not a playground: Please don't goof around, you could end up on the tracks.
- If you drop something, DON'T try to retrieve it yourself. An employee can help by holding trains and retrieving your phone or other items for you.
Here is the full collection of posters as part of this campaign:
Previous safety & security campaigns
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
In the unlikely event that you would need to evacuate from a train, familiarize yourself with the CTA Trains Emergency and Evacuation Instructions brochure. Knowing what you’re to do ahead of time can help ensure your safety.
CTA Trains Emergency and Evacuation Instructions (.pdf)
Instructions for people with disabilities
Emergency and Evacuation Procedures for CTA Rail Customers with Disabilities (.pdf) (text version)
Evacuation video
We've also prepared a video about train evacuation procedures:
or, download the video: Emergency Preparedness video - (30MB QuickTime file)
Escalator & Elevator Safety Tips
In addition to buses and trains, safety on the CTA also includes escalators and elevators. You can read a few basic safety tips to keep in mind when riding an escalator or elevator here:
System Safety & Security Tips
Help the CTA make your ride a safe one. Take a moment to read the CTA’s Security Tips brochure. This brochure was recently updated to include more information about harassment and other prohibited activities on the CTA.
Security Tips Brochure (.pdf)
Additional information regarding CTA’s ongoing and collaborative efforts with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and other local law enforcement agencies to combat crimes committed on or near CTA properties is outlined on our dedicated Security webpage.