Chicago aldermen calling for CTA enforcement of smoking ban
Chicago aldermen are calling on the CTA to enforce the smoking ban, a problem widely reported on Chicago's mass transit system.
A group of City Council members called on the CTA to make data about smoking complaints publicly available. They said finding hot spots – specific train lines or times that smoking is happening – could help determine where to start to begin trying to snuff out the problem.
CTA officials released some statistics about the issue in 2023, when it said more than 6,300 citations for smoking were issued. That same year, a CBS News Chicago investigation found more than 90% of those smoking fines went unpaid.
According to a recent survey from the Regional Transportation Authority, four out of five riders who use CTA, Metra, or Pace say they've experienced cigarette and weed smoking or drinking on Chicago buses and trains, on platforms, and in stations.
"It's definitely not pleasant, but it's something I've gotten kind of used to over the years," Red Line rider Daniel Gao said on Wednesday.
Noting the CTA is facing a major budget shortfall in 2026, some aldermen argued a concerted effort to decrease smoking on trains and buses could increase ridership, and boost revenue.
They said they're also worried that secondhand smoke is affecting thousands of children who rely on the CTA to get to school.
"The CTA is the school bus in the City of Chicago, and that's why the quality of the ride matters. Comfort matters. Safety matters. And smoking is a visible daily reminder that those things are breaking down," Ald. Bill Conway (34th) said.
Conway and other aldermen said smoking on the CTA is a safety issue, and the agency needs to be more transparent and held accountable.
The CTA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
