Last week, Ald. Bill Conway (34th) introduced a resolution to push the CTA to take a tougher line on smoking. I think it’s a good step, for reasons I’ll get to shortly. But it’s also a nice opportunity to talk about some broader issues of safety and disorder around public transit.
Violence and disorder on public transit remain major threats to the health of the CTA. Transit advocates are often uncomfortable to engage with this topic or the solutions necessary to actually move the needle on public safety. But the status quo doesn’t do anyone any favors. If we want to make sure public goods are used – and valued – by the public, we need to do a better job of enforcing standards of conduct and behavior.
Disorderly conduct is a big deal…