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Mayor Johnson signs executive order to curb smoking on CTA trains and buses

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Issues Executive Order to Crack Down on Smoking on CTA Platforms and Trains

Chicago, IL – In a bold move aimed at improving public health and rider experience on the city's public transit system, Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to intensify efforts to curb smoking on its platforms, trains, and other properties. The order, announced amid growing complaints from commuters about secondhand smoke exposure, seeks to enforce long-standing bans on smoking that have often been ignored in practice. This initiative underscores Johnson's administration's commitment to creating a safer, healthier environment for the millions of daily riders who rely on the CTA, one of the nation's busiest public transportation networks.

The executive order, which took effect immediately upon signing, mandates a multi-faceted approach to addressing the pervasive issue of smoking on CTA premises. At its core, the directive calls for enhanced coordination between the CTA, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and other relevant city agencies. This collaborative effort is designed to not only increase enforcement but also to educate the public and prevent violations before they occur. Smoking, including the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, and other tobacco products, has been prohibited on CTA property since the early 1990s under city ordinances and state laws. However, enforcement has historically been inconsistent, leading to widespread disregard for the rules, particularly in underground stations and on elevated platforms where oversight is challenging.

Mayor Johnson, in his announcement, emphasized the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, particularly in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces like train cars and subway tunnels. "Our public transit system should be a safe haven for all Chicagoans, free from the harms of tobacco and marijuana smoke," Johnson stated. "This executive order is about protecting the well-being of our riders, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. By stepping up enforcement and awareness, we're ensuring that the CTA remains a reliable and healthy mode of transportation for everyone." His comments highlight a broader public health agenda that has been a hallmark of his tenure since taking office, including initiatives on air quality and environmental justice in underserved communities.

Under the terms of the order, the CTA is required to develop and implement a comprehensive plan within 30 days. Key components include ramping up patrols by CPD officers and CTA security personnel to monitor high-traffic areas and issue citations for violations. Fines for smoking on CTA property can range from $100 to $300 for first-time offenders, with escalating penalties for repeat infractions. To bolster visibility, the agency must install additional no-smoking signage throughout stations, platforms, and vehicles, ensuring that warnings are clear, multilingual, and prominently displayed. This visual reinforcement is intended to serve as a constant reminder to riders and deter potential violators.

Beyond enforcement, the executive order places a strong emphasis on education and outreach. The CDPH will partner with the CTA to launch public awareness campaigns, utilizing social media, digital ads on transit screens, and community events to inform riders about the dangers of smoking and the importance of compliance. These campaigns will also provide resources for smoking cessation, directing individuals to free or low-cost programs offered by the city and local health organizations. Johnson noted that this proactive approach aligns with evidence-based strategies that have proven effective in reducing smoking rates in other urban settings, such as New York City's subway system, where similar crackdowns have led to noticeable improvements in air quality and rider satisfaction.

The impetus for this order stems from a surge in rider complaints over the past few years. According to CTA data referenced in the announcement, reports of smoking-related incidents have increased by nearly 40% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with a rise in marijuana use following Illinois' legalization of recreational cannabis in 2020. Commuters have frequently voiced frustrations about the acrid smells permeating trains and platforms, which not only create discomfort but also pose serious health risks. Secondhand smoke exposure is linked to a host of ailments, including asthma exacerbations, heart disease, and lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In densely populated areas like Chicago's Loop or the Red Line corridors, where ventilation can be limited, these risks are amplified, making the transit system a potential hotspot for public health concerns.

Riders have mixed reactions to the news, with many expressing relief at the prospect of cleaner air during their commutes. "I've been taking the L for years, and the smoking has gotten out of hand," said Maria Gonzalez, a daily rider from the South Side. "It's not just annoying—it's unhealthy, especially when you're stuck in a crowded car." Others, however, worry about over-policing, particularly in communities of color where enforcement could disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois have called for careful implementation to avoid exacerbating existing inequities in the criminal justice system. "While we support healthier public spaces, any increase in policing must be equitable and focused on education rather than punishment," an ACLU spokesperson commented.

This executive order is part of a larger pattern of transit improvements under Johnson's leadership. Since his election, the mayor has prioritized revitalizing the CTA, which serves over 1.5 million riders daily and is crucial to the city's economy and mobility. Recent efforts include fare equity programs, infrastructure upgrades to aging tracks and stations, and initiatives to combat violence and harassment on trains. The smoking crackdown complements these by addressing quality-of-life issues that deter ridership and contribute to perceptions of disorder. Experts suggest that better enforcement could lead to higher customer satisfaction scores, potentially boosting overall usage of public transit at a time when Chicago is grappling with post-pandemic recovery and traffic congestion.

Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained funding and inter-agency cooperation. The CTA, facing budget constraints, has allocated resources from its existing enforcement budget, but additional support from city hall may be needed for long-term campaigns. Johnson has pledged to monitor progress through quarterly reports, adjusting strategies as necessary based on data from rider surveys and violation statistics. If effective, this could serve as a model for other cities dealing with similar challenges, reinforcing Chicago's role as a leader in urban public health policy.

In the broader context of Chicago's public health landscape, smoking remains a significant issue despite declining rates nationwide. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that about 15% of adults in the state smoke, with higher prevalence in urban areas. Marijuana smoking, while legal, is subject to restrictions in public spaces, and the executive order clarifies that CTA properties fall under these prohibitions. By tackling this head-on, Johnson's administration is not only responding to immediate complaints but also contributing to long-term goals of reducing tobacco-related illnesses, which cost the city millions in healthcare expenses annually.

Critics of the order argue that it might divert resources from more pressing transit problems, such as delays, overcrowding, and safety concerns related to crime. However, supporters counter that a smoke-free environment is foundational to overall rider well-being and could indirectly address other issues by fostering a culture of respect and compliance. As one transit advocate put it, "Clean air is the first step to a better commute—everything else follows."

Ultimately, Mayor Johnson's executive order represents a proactive stance on an issue that affects everyday Chicagoans. By combining enforcement, education, and collaboration, the city aims to transform the CTA into a model of public health excellence. As implementation unfolds, riders and officials alike will be watching closely to see if this initiative clears the air—literally and figuratively—on Chicago's iconic transit system. With continued commitment, it could mark a turning point in making public transportation not just efficient, but truly healthful for all.

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Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/mayor-johnson-executive-order-curb-smoking-cta/ ]