The Federal Transit Authority Threatens to Cut Funds to Chicago Transit Authority After Woman Set on Fire
Authored by Melanie Sun via The Epoch Times
The Federal Transit Authority has issued a warning to Chicago, stating that it will withdraw funding for the city’s public transportation system if measures are not taken to reduce assaults on transit workers and passengers and address unsafe conditions contributing to increased crime.
FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro sent letters to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, setting a deadline of Dec. 15 for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to develop a security enhancement plan to improve safety on buses and trains. Failure to comply could result in cuts to federal funding.
The directive also requires the CTA to update its safety plan by the end of December and share it with the FTA within seven days of approval.
The FTA has the authority to impose up to 25% cuts in federal funding if the CTA fails to meet the specified deadlines under the Urbanized Area Formula Grants program. The move comes in response to a recent attack on a female commuter who was set on fire while on a Chicago train, prompting concerns about safety on public transportation.
“Illinois is notorious for being the first state in the U.S. to impose a deadly cashless bail policy that allows alleged criminals to be released from jail without paying any money while they await trial,”
Chief Judge’s office in Cook County cited state law limitations on judges’ ability to deny defendants’ release before trial. Molinaro emphasized the need for increased law enforcement presence to address high crime rates on CTA property.
The FTA is concerned about the rise in violent crime on CTA premises, including homicides and assaults against workers and riders. Molinaro emphasized that the assault on the 26-year-old woman is unacceptable and reflects systemic failures in leadership and accountability.
The FTA is prepared to withhold federal funds if the CTA does not take immediate action to enhance safety and security measures.
Chicago Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker have responded to the FTA’s letter, emphasizing the importance of public safety and modernizing the transit system. Illinois has passed legislation to increase funding for public safety programs, including combating violent crime on public transit.
The CTA is currently reviewing the FTA’s request and will respond within the specified timeline.
The Trump administration previously withheld funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, citing concerns about race-based contracting. The CTA heavily relies on federal funding for its operations, particularly for capital improvements.
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