CTA kicks off security initiative

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced Monday that work has begun on the first phase of its $33 million Safe and Secure initiative.

The agency will begin the initiative by upgrading more than 600 security cameras on the Red and Blue subway lines, along the Blue Line O'Hare branch and at the Clark/Lake Station in the Chicago Loop.

The CTA is replacing older, standard-definition cameras with high-definition ones at 20 subway stations in total. More than 50 new cameras will be added to those stations and lighting will be upgraded along the Green Line.

Unveiled earlier this year, the Safe and Secure program is funded by Chicago's recent fee charged to ride-hailing services operating in the city.

Future phases of the program will include new lighting, station repairs and other improvements to boost security at all 146 rail stations.

"CTA is one of the safest transit systems in the country, but I believe we can always do more to ensure every passenger and every employee feels safe and secure while using our transit system," said CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. in a press release.