CTA defends decision to cancel security contract

BRONZEVILLE (WBBM Newsradio) -- The head of the CTA is defending the agency's decision to end its contract with a private security company in the face of new criticism from some influential members of City Council.

Acting CTA president Nora Leerhsen told reporters the decision to replace unarmed guards from Monterrey Security with more Chicago police and Cook County sheriff's officers is designed to meet the needs of the system's riders.

"It's critical that we have the right resources on CTA to meet the needs of our riders," Leerhsen said during a CTA construction kickoff event Tuesday morning at the 51st Street Green Line station, 319 E. 51st St. "We also have to be strategic and smart about what is the right resource on CTA, and that was the decision here not to continue to add funds to this contract."

But following the announcement, the Aldermanic Black Caucus released a statement saying in part that it found the decision "appalling."

"This decision, made without adequate notice or a viable transition plan, immediately displaces over 80 security officers -- the majority of whom are residents of Chicago's South and West Side communities," the statement continued. "The Caucus is demanding an immediate stay on the termination of these contracts and a public hearing to establish a responsible transition plan."

The Caucus also accused the agency of making the change as a response to pressure from the Trump Administration, which has threatened to withhold money from the agency over concerns about safety following a number of high-profile attacks, including last fall's incident that left a rider with critical burns.

In response to questions about the criticism, Mayor Brandon Johnson talked generally about security enhancements, saying the city is "moving with expediency to create a safe, accessible, reliable, affordable transit system."

But he repeatedly refused to directly answer concerns from the caucus.