In a recent initiative aimed at combating smoking on public transit, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order calling for an end to smoking on trains and buses. This executive order underscores the city’s commitment to addressing a growing problem that has emerged as pandemic restrictions have eased.
The decision follows a resolution introduced by Downtown Ald. Bill Conway (34th), aiming to pressure the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) into taking stronger measures against smoking on public transport. In 2023, the number of smoking-related citations issued on CTA property reached levels not seen since 2019, indicating a significant uptick in violations.
In his executive order, Johnson instructed the city’s public health and family support services to deploy mental health workers, particularly Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement teams, to train stations and platforms. These teams will focus on outreach efforts to support individuals who are unhoused or dealing with mental health challenges.
Additionally, the order suggests exploring the potential establishment of “Transit Health Response Teams,” who would engage with smokers directly and offer on-site counseling, smoking cessation resources, and long-term treatment solutions.
Johnson emphasized the urgency of the situation during a press conference, stating, “When it comes to smoking on trains, I have a simple message: It has got to stop. We’re not going to tolerate this.” He reaffirmed that while the city has significant work ahead, the commitment remains to create a truly smoke-free transit environment.
To further support these initiatives, the city plans to launch public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging smoking on public transit. Johnson’s administration is also contemplating measures that could eventually lead to banning repeat offenders from the transit system altogether.
The CTA has been proactive in addressing the increase in smoking on its vehicles, as outlined in their “Rules of Conduct,” which stipulate that smoking or vaping violations can carry penalties such as fines exceeding $300, community service hours, or suspended riding privileges.
In a bid to gather input from the public, the CTA hosted an information session for an “Innovation Studio,” encouraging riders to propose solutions to lessen the impact of second-hand smoke. Among the ideas discussed were air ionizers, ventilators, and upgraded air filters that could potentially be piloted on select trains and buses. An update on this initiative is expected from the CTA in August.
Despite these efforts, Ald. Conway expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of Mayor Johnson’s approach. In a Twitter post, he highlighted the need for data-driven enforcement of existing laws rather than relying solely on social workers, public relations campaigns, and community meetings.
“Without data-driven enforcement of existing laws (like I called for last month), this public health issue will continue to impact riders,” Conway asserted.
The context of these anti-smoking initiatives is compounded by fiscal challenges facing the Regional Transportation Authority, which is confronting a $770 million fiscal cliff that could lead to severe service cuts across the region. Experts warn that without urgent action, transit services could be reduced by as much as 40 percent, risking the elimination of numerous CTA bus and train lines.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers failed to pass a bill aimed at reforming the regional transit system and securing necessary funding for transit agencies. Although the bill gained traction in the state Senate, it stalled in the House of Representatives before a vital June 1 deadline. There is hope that the issue will be revisited during the fall veto session or in a special standalone session, although that remains uncertain, according to state Rep. Kam Buckner.
In light of the looming fiscal challenges, Mayor Johnson affirmed his administration’s intention to work closely with state lawmakers to secure full funding for Chicago’s transit system. During his press conference, he articulated the need for an equitable distribution of resources from the state of Illinois to ensure a transportation system that is accessible, reliable, and affordable for all citizens.
“We are talking with members of the House of Representatives, the sponsors, looking at ways in which the governance structure is fully reformed, but also ensuring that we have revenue packages that allow for us to be able to optimize our public transportation system,” he stated.
Moreover, Johnson mentioned that his administration intends to request additional funding from legislators specifically targeted at anti-smoking initiatives within the public transit system.
As Chicago navigates these multifaceted challenges, the mayor’s executive order reflects a critical step towards improving the public health landscape while addressing the ongoing need for financial stability within the region’s transit services.
image source from：blockclubchicago
