Smoking on CTA
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“SBC versus smoking on the CTA” part six: A software engineer turns to crowdsourcing to hold officials accountable for finding solutions
If you've been following Streetsblog Chicago's quest for holistic approaches (not just more policing) to encourage people not to smoke on CTA trains, you know why this is an important issue, and have read about my shenanigans on this front. If not, check out more links at the bottom of this post.
April 6, 2026
“SBC versus smoking on the CTA” part five: Posting pizza-themed PSAs against puffing on the ‘L’ at every Blue stop provided a slice of Windy City life
It's time for the fifth installment of our series "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA." This is an effort to find holistic solutions (not simply more policing) to the aggravating problem of smoking and vaping inside railcars. Take a look at part one for an intro to my perspective on the issue. It's common knowledge that smoking on the 'L' is a major hazard for people with disabilities, seniors, and young kids. It's also unhealthy and annoying for the rest of us, and it causes people to instead choose modes like driving and ride-hail, contributing to crashes, pollution, and congestion.
March 21, 2026
“Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA,” part two: A sociology student, a lung health advocate, and a transportation expert share their POVs
Welcome to the second installment of "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA," our unconventional effort to find holistic solutions (not just more policing) to the vexing problem of smoking inside 'L' cars. Read part one to get up to speed on my perspective and approach to this topic. As many people are aware, burning tobacco or cannabis, or vaping, in an enclosed space is a serious danger for people with respiratory issues, seniors, and young kids. For the rest of us, it's also unhealthy, and a major annoyance and deterrent to using transit.
February 13, 2026
Introducing “Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA.” In part one of our series, editors from other cities and our transit agency weigh in.
"Now, [Streetsblog] don't you fill me up with your rules'Cause everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed [on the 'L']"
February 11, 2026
CTA board signs off on smoke mitigation pilot, discusses public safety challenges
On Wednesday, the CTA board had its first meeting of 2026, and there were some hot topics to discuss.
January 15, 2026
