The Federal Transit Administration announced on Mar. 17 that it will conduct a safety management inspection of the Illinois Department of Transportation, focusing on its oversight of the Chicago Transit Authority. The investigation follows ongoing concerns about safety issues on Chicago’s trains and buses.
The move comes after the CTA pledged to increase policing hours by 75 percent across its system. Despite these efforts, federal officials said there are persistent deficiencies in how IDOT oversees CTA operations, including limited onsite presence and minimal enforcement.
In a letter sent to IDOT secretary Gia Biagi, Federal Transit Administration Chief Safety Officer Joe DeLorenzo wrote, “FTA has determined IDOT’s exercise of its oversight authority, resources, and responsibilities is not commensurate with the size, complexity, and safety risk of CTA’s rail transit system. IDOT oversight has not demonstrated the independent, enforcement-oriented posture required to drive sustained safety improvement, creating ongoing risk to passengers, workers, and the public.”
The investigation will review whether IDOT adequately challenges CTA’s analyses and conclusions regarding safety risks. The Trump administration also issued a special directive requiring IDOT to comply with recent findings from an FTA audit.
Recent incidents have heightened scrutiny of transit security in Chicago. In November, a woman was set on fire aboard a Blue Line train. Following this event and subsequent federal warnings about potential funding losses unless security improved, the CTA increased police patrols and expanded security dog units but was told by federal officials that its plan lacked clear targets for reducing violent incidents.
Under its latest proposal, the CTA plans to further expand law enforcement presence by increasing patrol hours for police transit units and deploying Cook County Sheriff’s deputies on rail lines. Additional measures include fare enforcement initiatives such as higher barrier entry gates at select stations and farecard inspections.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized state leadership in Tuesday’s press release: “Governor Pritzker and state leaders should be embarrassed for the chaos they’ve allowed on Chicago’s subways, buses, and rail lines,” Duffy said. “While they may not care about your safety — this administration does. The Trump Administration is using use every tool available to hold IDOT accountable and ensure every American using Chicago transit feels safe.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded via social media by calling the federal investigation a “sham” and referenced Duffy’s recent campaign promoting civility in air travel.
IDOT must designate a point of contact for the inspection within three business days; an initial meeting between state and federal officials will follow before the investigation begins. Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen said in a statement that federal funds “at risk will not be withheld from CTA at this time” and added: “Through strong collaboration with our partners in law enforcement and social services, our comprehensive plan takes a holistic approach to security for those traveling on CTA.”
