Chicago City Wire

Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has expressed concerns regarding the lack of trained police on public transit in Chicago, attributing it to issues with ridership and safety. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Now you know why CTA ridership is two thirds pre COVID level and the system's about to go broke," said Vallas, Former Chief Executive Officer. "Public safety is the #1 reason. Amateur private security with little training and no power of arrest is no substitute for CPD Officers. There's as many cops assigned to the CTA as there are to the Mayors security detail."

Concerns about public safety on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system have led to measures such as an increased police presence, more security cameras, and additional unarmed guards. These actions come in response to rising crime rates and growing anxiety among riders, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

According to official data from the CTA, average weekday ridership in 2024 remains at approximately 65% of pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. This decline reflects both the impact of remote work and ongoing safety concerns.

A report from the Chicago Sun-Times in 2024 highlighted that Chicago’s transit police force comprises about 300 officers assigned to the CTA. In contrast, New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employs over 3,500 officers dedicated to public transit security.

Vallas is a seasoned education administrator who served as CEO of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001. He also led school systems in Philadelphia and New Orleans and has previously run for mayor of Chicago, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago Public Schools is noted as the third-largest district in the United States, serving over 320,000 students across more than 600 schools. It is governed by a CEO and Board of Education, according to its official website.