Ride the CTA? You may notice this new security enhancement on your commute

A team of safe ride specialists could be seen at the Lake Red Line station Saturday afternoon providing another set of eyes and ears for Chicago Transit Authority passengers. “I think it’s going to be wonderful to assist with the police officers,” said one rider. “It will be great to keep everyone nice and safe.” The transit agency said the specialists are trained in crisis and violence intervention and can help to de-escalate issues among passengers. They can also offer and connect riders with other services and support. “I think it can help, but the problem I have with it is that a lot of people these days they don’t care about, they don’t even care about policeman let alone anyone else,” said Darryl Spivey, another the transit agency rider. The transit agency said the program expands its safety approach in addition to working with police, security, and frontline staff. Earlier this year, the agency said it partnered with CPD and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to deploy additional officers for policing. “A little extra security never hurt anybody, I mean it’s necessary,” said another rider. “I’ve been very lucky, I know a lot of people haven’t been very lucky and I think that’s needed, I think that’s a good call.” This comes as the transit agency works to address concerns from passengers. “I kinda just try to think about when I’m taking the train, like I’m not going to take the Red line late at night or anything,” said Sam Roth, the transit agency rider. The safe ride specialist will mainly be on four areas of the Blue, Green, and Red Line trains during the week and weekends at varying times. Blue Line O’Hare Branch: Logan Square to Jefferson Park, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Blue Line Forest Park Branch: Austin to Forest Park, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. Green Line: Harlem/Lake to Conservatory-Central Park, Monday-Friday, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m., Saturday 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Red Line: Lake to Roosevelt, 7 days/week, Noon – 3:30 a.m. “I think that sounds in theory a really good idea,” said Elliot Child, the transit agency rider. “We never know unless we try it I guess.” The one-year pilot program costs around $9.6 million dollars and is supported by previously allocated funds under the transit agency budget, according to the transit agency. The agency said it worked with riders and more than 30 mental health experts and community organizations to develop this program.