(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — So-called “K-9 teams” are back on the CTA, as the transit agency tries to deal a surge in crime on the system.
The CTA last month awarded an 18-month contract to Action K-9 valued at $30.9 million. Under the deal, the company will provide up to 100 unarmed guards and 50 canines per day. Two unarmed guards with canine-handling skills will share one dog.
The first wave of teams were deployed Friday. It is hoped they will deter people from evading fares. The guards and dogs also will patrol stations, CTA officials said, especially along the Red and Blue lines.
“These new K-9 teams will add to the approximately 300 unarmed guards scheduled to patrol the rail system daily and tasked with educating and reminding customers of the rules of conduct for traveling on CTA,” the agency said in a news release. “The use of unarmed guards is not a replacement, but a supplement for law enforcement on CTA, which is provided by the Chicago Police Department.”
The CTA has seen a number of highly publicized crimes in recent months, including shootings and stabbings. One Chicago woman said this week that she’s not confident authorities are doing enough to keep passengers safe.
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