The CTA is the newest of 6 transportation agencies nationwide to experience federal intervention due to transit safety concerns.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) launched a Safety Management Inspection (SMI) for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) through a Special Directive. The FTA stated that under Governor J.B. Pritzker’s leadership, IDOT has not applied sufficient oversight authority to protect citizens using the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) transit systems.
“It shouldn’t take federal intervention for Illinois to take oversight of CTA seriously,” said Secretary Duffy. “I’ve made clear since my first day on the job – safety is non-negotiable. Governor Pritzker and state leaders should be embarrassed for the chaos they’ve allowed on Chicago’s subways, buses, and rail lines.“
The Special Directive calls for IDOT to implement 11 actions to improve oversight of the CTA, which includes the application of FTA recommendations from an April 2025 audit of IDOT. Once the safety inspection is completed, the agency will determine whether further action is needed, through additional Special Directives or other enforcement measures.
The CTA is one of six transportation agencies the FTA has focused on to improve safety measures.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Duffy as he addresses safety concerns for CTA passengers.
- For FTA officials as they review IDOT and CTA practices.
- For IDOT officials as they work to implement FTA directives.
Sources: Department of Transportation, Homeland Security Today
